Evaluation of selected steel thermochemical treatment technologies using foresight methods

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the development efficiency of classical steel thermochemical treatment. The criterion assumed for dividing the technologies into groups was the thermochemical treatment kind. Three technology groups were selected to realised researches, as follows: nitriding, carburising and diffusion boriding. Design/methodology/approach: In the framework of foresight-materials science researches: a group of matrices characterising technology strategic position was created, materials science experiments using: light microscope, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester, work-stands for testing of thermal fatigue resistance and mechanical fatigue strength, abrasion and corrosion resistance were conducted and technology roadmaps were prepared. Findings: The outcarried researches pointed out the great industrial importance of nitriding and carburising and good perspectives for these technology groups. However, diffusion boriding is obsolete and will slowly leave the market. Research limitations/implications: Researches concerning steel thermochemical treatment constitute a part of a larger research project aimed at identifying, researching, and characterizing the priority innovative technologies in the field of materials surface engineering. Practical implications: Nitriding and carburising with their popularity and good quality-price relation can be recommended for use in small and medium enterprises. Obsolete diffusion boriding is not recommended for that. Originality/value: The value of this paper is to evaluate the value of thermochemical treatment technologies in the background environment with their future development perspectives determination including the influence of thermochemical treatment on the quality, microstructure and properties of surface layers obtained by thermochemical treatment.