A Review on the Possibility for Nitriding of Aluminium Alloys

Abstract

The present paper provides a brief overview of the possibilities for nitriding the surface of Al-alloys. This treatment is still attracting scientific attention, not only as a means to increase the industrial life of materials but also as a way to comply with the current ecological requirements. On the whole, the purpose of such a process is to improve the mechanical properties like surface hardness and wear resistance of the Al-alloys, especially in automotive industry where “lightening” the whole construction is of great importance for reducing the fuel consumption. The paper, further, sets out to examine the influence of the technological parameters of this thermo - chemical treatment on the thickness of the formed nitride layer and on the mechanical properties on one hand and the naturally formed oxide on the surface of the Al-alloys on the other hand. Drawn, in the end, are some conclusions about the potential benefits of nitriding and expressed is the specific need for its thorough research in the future.