A research team led by Dr Lu Ke of CAS Institute of Metals Research (IMR) has achieved progress in solving the problem of nitriding the surface of metal materials via the nanometer technology.
Nitriding processes are a surface-modification technique used to produce optimized structure and properties in order to improve the global performance of the materials. However, the processes have to be performed at high temperatures for a long duration and may induce serious deterioration of the substrate in many families of materials.
In a paper published in the January 31 issue of Science magazine, the IMR researchers show that the nitriding temperature of iron can be greatly reduced, from above 500°C to 300°C, by applying nantechnology. This enhanced processing method demonstrates the technological significance of nanomaterials in improving traditional processing techniques and provides a new approach for selective surface reactions in solids.
