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Which Gases Are Used in Plasma Nitriding? A Cleaner, Eco-Friendly Process

  • Writer: redesiht
    redesiht
  • Aug 5
  • 2 min read

Gases used in plasma nitriding—nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, and methane—enable a precise, environmentally friendly hardening process.
AI-generated image of plasma nitriding gases, highlighting their roles in a controlled, eco-friendly surface hardening process.

Plasma nitriding gases are the reactive elements used to create the ionized environment necessary for the nitriding process. Their selection and specific proportions are crucial for controlling the process, tailoring the properties of the nitrided layer, and achieving the desired results in various materials and applications.


Unlike other nitriding methods, plasma nitriding does NOT use corrosive gases, offering key advantages such as extended equipment lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and an environmentally friendly process that enhances quality standards and metallurgical performance.


The gases used in plasma nitriding are:


NITROGEN (N₂) – Primary Gas

When subjected to an electrical discharge in a vacuum chamber, the nitrogen molecule dissociates, and atomic nitrogen is ionized to create a plasma containing active nitrogen species (N₂⁺, N₂⁻, N₄⁺, and N₂*). These species form nitrides on the part’s surface, improving its hardness and wear resistance, among other properties.



HYDROGEN (H₂) – Transport & Dilution

Hydrogen acts as a reducing gas and, when ionized, helps activate the nitrogen gas by providing free electrons. It also dilutes nitrogen to the correct nitriding potential and assists in reducing oxides present on the surface, thereby activating it for further nitriding.



ARGON (Ar) – Carrier & Sputtering

Argon provides a medium for the transport of reactive species, helps stabilize the electrical discharge, and ensures plasma consistency during the process. As a heavier atom, argon increases the kinetic energy with which it strikes the surface, creating a stronger sputtering effect.



METHANE (CH₄) – Process Gas

Methane is a carbon donor gas used in plasma ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC). Carbon and nitrogen atoms form hard compounds in the material’s surface layer, increasing steel hardness and wear resistance. Since methane is used in low quantities, a single bottle can typically last for several years.




📊 Download infographic: What are the gasses used for Plasma Nitriding?


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