Application of ionic and electronic modification of nitride coatings for protection against corrosion during hydrogen feature

Applying nitride or oxide coatings in the form of thin layers is a method that can enhance steel structures and resilience of oil pipelines against flooding and corrosion. Such coatings have excellent corrosion-resistant properties. The article presents the results of an assessment of the use of both ionic and electronic modifications of nitride coatings (TiN) on stainless steel to enhance its resilience against hydrogenation and degradation processes occurring during the hydrogen accumulation in the surface layer. These processes lead to embrittlement and corrosion of steel. O2+ and N2+ ions with an energy of 20 keV/charge were chosen as ions for modifying the coatings; the irradiation fluences were in the range of 1013-1015 ion/cm2 . Electrons with an energy of 500 keV and radiation doses from 100 to 500 kGy were utilised to carry out the electron modification process. The experimental results indicate that modifying the ionic content contributes to the creation of more dislocation defects in the structure. This accumulation of defects results in improved strength and resistance to cracking. Through electron irradiation, the thermal effect primarily modifies the crystal structure, enhancing both its stability and densification. An analysis of the effect of hydrogenation and corrosion has demonstrated that ionic modification using a fluence of 5 × 1013 ion/cm2 enhances the stability of the coating structure and elevates corrosion potentials.