CorroNite, an innovative thermochemical treatment process for increased corrosion- and wear resistance

Purpose and goal: A treatment method to develop a sustainable and cost-efficient treatment concept to

generate corrosion resistant and durable surfaces by surface coating of heat-treated components have been developed. The method has been evaluated against Hard Chrome where the corrosion resistance has been improved in both NSS and ACT in combination with similar friction properties as shown in rig-test. The prototype treatments are today performed in a production-like manner at Bodycote and at an industry painting company.

Expected results and effects:

The concept CorroNite (heat treatment and coating) has been developed and compared to hard chrome, where better corrosion resistance has been proven in NSS and ACT, while the friction properties have been sustained. A wear test followed by an NSS-test showed that the corrosion resistance is kept even after 144 000 cycles against a seal. The CorroNite system has been tested in production environment at Bodycote and an industrial painter.

The result of the project is a developed CorroNite concept that shows promising results as a possible solution to replace hard chrome. Approach and implementation:

The prototype process for CorroNite has been developed by evaluating different heat-treatment methods as a base for the treatment. The heat treatment has been combined with development of a coating, where several additives, thickness and application methods have been evaluated. The manufacturing process has been scaled up and applied in a production like manner followed by evaluation of produced samples.

Promising solutions have been evaluated in the project based on material and surface analysis, NSS, ACT, as well as friction and wear testing in rig.