Magnetic property approach for identification of dominant crystal structure in AISI420 treated by RF-DC Plasma N₂-H₂

Abstract

The nitridation of RF-DC plasma N2-H2 into AISI420 produces several phases namely α’ (bcc),ε (hcp), and γ (fcc) which are randomly distributed in a number that is difficult to identify. So the most dominant justification of crystal phase was needed. Based on the concept of isothermal transformation of AISI420 transformed from the α’ phase (ferromagnetic), to ε phase (paramagnetic), and to γ phase (nonmagnetic). It can be used as the underlying theory that magnetic property approach can potentially identify the dominant crystal phase. This study measured the magnetic properties of AISI420 treated by RF-DC plasma N2-N2 for identification of dominant crystal structure. Based on the hysteresis curve (M-H loop) of VSM method, magnetic characteristics can be produced such as susceptibility. Furthermore, the atomistic simulations were performed with the LAMMPS. Modelling of schematic picture of the structure using VESTA v.3.3.2 64 bit. Susceptibility value of AISI420 treated with RF-DC Plasma N2-H2 is range in the notation of 10-5 to 10-3, so it meets criteria of 10-5 ⩽ 10-3 which can be categorized as paramagnetic and super-paramagnetic. It has the dominant ε-Fe3N phase with trigonal-hcp microstructure based on magnetic property approach and simulations of LAMMPS and VESTA.