Sulphiding

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of treating a metal or surface with sulfur or sulfur compounds to enhance corrosion resistance or alter chemical properties; forming a sulfide layer on the surface through chemical reaction with sulfur; the application of sulfur-based treatment to modify the characteristics or durability of a material
2. A chemical treatment involving exposure to sulfur to create a protective sulfide coating on metals; the reaction that converts surface atoms into sulfur-containing compounds to improve resistance to wear or corrosion; the process of adding sulfur to alter the surface composition and enhance material performance
3. Subjecting a metal or material to sulfur or sulfur-derived chemicals to produce a sulfide layer for protection or modification; forming sulfide compounds on surfaces by chemical exposure to sulfur; employing sulfur in surface treatment to change physical or chemical traits for durability or functionality

Etymology: The yellow element sulphur takes its name from Latin "sulphur," whose origin is uncertain. The chemical suffix "-ide," used to name binary compounds, was modelled on "oxide," so a sulphide is a compound of sulphur with another element, usually a metal. The verb "sulphide" is derived from that noun, meaning to convert a surface into a sulphide, and "-ing" turns it into the process name. In metallurgy, the process forms a thin film of metal sulphide on a surface that resists wear and corrosion.

Synonyms: sulfidizing, sulfurizing