Highlights
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Cr-nitride coatings were formed on carbon steels by a single step pack cementation process.
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Coatings formed on Steel 45# consisted of an outer Cr2N layer and an inner Cr-carbide layer.
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Microstructure of the coatings formed was studied as a function of temperature and time.
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Effect of carbon content in steel substrate on the coatings' microstructure was also studied.