Unveiling the Compound Zone (White Layer)

Understanding the difference between the white layer and the diffusion zone is key, as each contributes differently to the part’s performance. The white layer, rich in Fe₃N and Fe₄N, provides high surface hardness and wear resistance. The diffusion zone, located beneath it, integrates nitrogen into the base material, improving fatigue strength without compromising core toughness.

Together, these two zones form a functional gradient that resists surface damage while preserving the mechanical integrity required for demanding applications.

In this infographic: how each layer forms, what it contributes, and why both are essential in plasma nitriding.