Functional Surface Layer Strengthening and Wear Resistance Increasing of a Low Carbon Steel by Electrolytic-Plasma Processing

The modified technology for strengthening the surface layer of low-carbon steel for machine components by electroplasma processing is proposed. This technology is to be used as an alternative carburizing method with subsequent hardening. The developed technology of strengthening by the proposed method is based on the author’s invention. The parameters of this process are given, resulting in a thickness of the reinforced surface layer of 1000 µm to 1700 µm. An increase in microhardness of 1.5 to 2 times (compared to the initial state) was observed. With hardening, chemical modification of the material’s surface layer occurs. The microstructure of the treated surface of the steel samples is characterised by a dark modified surface layer: a fine needle-like structure of martensitic origin under the dark layer transforms into an initial perlite-ferritic structure. The advantage of strengthening based on the electrolytic plasma processing consists of low energy consumption at high hardening speeds and the possibility of local processing of surface areas, especially large parts of complex shapes. In addition, the proposed surface treatment method using electrolytic plasma processing (EPP) not only achieves a smooth surface but also improves the service qualities of the components, specifically wear resistance.