Thermo-chemical and plasma treatment of carbon steel reels

• Grant number: 00/13448-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2001
• End date: February 28, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Metallurgical Equipment and Facilities
• Principal Investigator: Vladimir Henrique Baggio Scheid
• Grantee: Vladimir Henrique Baggio Scheid
• Company: Metal Plasma Ltda
• City: São José dos Campos

Abstract

Nitration by plasma is a process used for the improvement of various physical properties of steels such as hardness and resistance to wear, corrosion and fatigue. This process consists of a luminescent discharge of gases at low pressure containing nitrogen. The plasma makes use of nitrogen atoms that permeate into the steel to form nitrides of elevated hardness. In this process there is no formation of pollutant residues. Especially in the case of carbon steels, the nitration favors a definite and long lasting protection against corrosion. The objective of this project is to develop a process for the treatment of carbon steel reels through their cleaning and nitration by plasma, with a view to protecting them from corrosion. The intention is to develop the process and to improve on the parameters in order to reach a compatible cost and higher standard of quality than those offered today by galvanoplasty. It is also proposed to carry out market research among the large suppliers and users with the aim of evaluating the demand and the requirements of each line of production. Though commercial equipment exists, capable of processing a large quantity of material, it is not appropriate for the treatment of reels of sheet metal and wires, since only the external parts of them, which are exposed to the plasma treatment, are nitrated. The present process, using an innovative system, would permit the nitration of long reels of wire. Its development will enable the company to increase its area of activity and will also bring socioeconomic benefits, both from the environmental point of view and in the generation of new jobs. (AU)