A surface hardening process that diffuses nitrogen and carbon into the steel, followed by an oxidation treatment. This combination creates a hard, wear-resistant compound layer on top of a diffusion zone, capped with a thin, black iron oxide layer. The resulting surface provides excellent corrosion resistance and a low coefficient of friction, often replacing hard chrome plating.
We need to run these hydraulic cylinder rods through a nitrox cycle to hit the corrosion spec.
Related terms
FNC
Ferritic nitrocarburizing: adding nitrogen and carbon below the critical temperature for a thin, hard layer.
QPQ
Quench-polish-quench is a specialized nitrocarburizing process that enhances wear and corrosion resistance.
White layer
The thin, hard compound layer of iron nitrides that forms on the surface during nitriding.