AES and XPS Study of the Composition and Chemical State of the Sulfide Layer on Carbon-nitrided AISI-1020 Steel Surface

Sulfide solid lubricating layers were prepared on the surface of AISI 1020 steel surface by means of room temperature electrolytic sulphurization following carbon nitriding. The elemental compositions and chemical states of the sulfide layer were examined by means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the sulfide layer is composed of porous FeS and has no FeSO 3 produced in the sulfide layer during low temperature electrolytic process. AES depth profile of the sulfide layer indicates that the content of FeS in the sulfide layer is dependent on the parameters of room temperature electrolytic sulphurization.