Plasma nitriding as a sustainable alternative to electrolytic chromium plating: comparative tribological analysis on white cast iron
Luís Filipe Rabelo Maciel, Tiago Manoel de Oliveira Santos, Lucas Marlon Castro Silva, Mariana Botelho Barbosa, Camila Yuri Negrão Konno, Jean Carlo Martins Braga
Abstract
This study evaluates plasma nitriding as a sustainable alternative to electrolytic chromium plating on white cast iron substrates, aiming to replace processes using hexavalent chromium. Samples were subjected to electrolytic chromium plating and plasma nitriding processes. Characterizations included optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness profiles, surface roughness measurement, and tribological testing. The nitrided surface exhibited substantially lower volumetric wear loss and reduced average coefficient of friction compared to hard chromium coating. The gradient architecture characteristic of nitrided surfaces, extending approximately 200 µm in depth, with progressive transition from compound layer to substrate inherent to the surface modification process, contrasts with the abrupt interface of chromium coating that promoted catastrophic delamination, progressive failure and severe abrasive wear mediated by coating fragments. Results demonstrate that plasma nitriding constitutes a technically superior and environmentally sustainable alternative for ferrous components subjected to severe wear conditions.
Keywords
Referências
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Submetido em:
15/01/2026
Aceito em:
23/04/2026
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