The IOM is launching a new research project in collaboration with the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, which will be funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under project number 557879687 for a period of 36 months. The title of the project is: “Surface segregation effects in duplex stainless steel during plasma diffusion treatments using a solid carbon precursor.” In the project, Dr. Anke Dalke from the Institute of Materials Engineering at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Dr. Darina Manova, research associate at the IOM in the cross-sectional unit “Tools”, are investigating effects of a solid carbon precursor on the surface modifications of duplex steel for plasma nitrocarburizing processes. The research project aims at the comprehensive study of the interactions between the solid carbon precursor and the resulting process gas composition as well as the surface layer modification of the duplex steel and the resulting properties with special emphasis on the corrosion behaviour. The clarification of the process parameter-structure-property correlation using the complementary methods form both research groups should contribute to a fundamental knowledge regarding the interactions of a plasma-discharged carbon material and the surface properties of nitrocarburized duplex steels. At the end of the investigations, the scientists expect to have concrete recommendations for improved surface treatments of duplex steels—an important step toward more durable and higher-performance materials for industrial applications.