Nigrescence is a chemical surface treatment, its main role is a dense layer of oxide film formed on the surface of the workpiece, the workpiece to prevent rust corrosion, improve the wear resistance of the workpiece, it is only a surface treatment does not produce any effect on the internal organization, it is not heat-treated, and quench a fundamental difference.
Blackening treatment methods are now commonly used conventional alkaline heated black, appeared later in the steam room temperature blackening and black etc..
But temperature oxidation process for the low-carbon steel is not very good.
More Nigrescence:http://www.industrial-furnace.com/articles/Nigrescence_blackening_treatment.html