Abstract: The formation of Fe-N compounds by laser nitriding in an atmospheric ambient was reported.By CW-CO2 laser irradiation on pure ferrite iron in the atmospheric am-bient,Fe-N compounds (including Fe2N,Fe3N and Fe4N) are formed as a result of a laser-enhanced and temperature-enhanced reactions.The samples were analyzed with X-ray diffraction.It is found that the laser power density,scanning speed and nitro-gen temperature are the main factors influencing the formation of Fe-N compounds.Nitrogen can be activated by pre-heating at some temperature.Nitrogen activation and sample surface melting by CW-CO2 laser greatly enhance the reaction between the sample surface and nitrogen beam.After annealing at 500℃ for Sh,some Fe2N and Fe3N converted into more stable Fe4N.

Key words: laser nitriding, nitride, Fe-N compound,