Effect of Electrolytic-Plasma Hardening on the Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Low-Alloy Steels
Rakhadilov B. Satbayeva Z. Maulit A. Kurmangaliyev R. Rustemov A.
July 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Metals
2025#15Issue 7
This study investigates the effect of electrolytic-plasma hardening (EPH) on the structure, phase composition, and tribological properties of the low-alloy steels 20Cr2Ni4A and 37Cr4 (1.7034) (EN). Hardening was carried out at a voltage of 320 V for 7 s in an aqueous solution containing 20% soda ash and 10% carbamide. Using scanning electron microscopy, the formation of a zonal structure with a hardened surface layer characterized by a needle-like martensitic morphology was revealed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of Fe, Fe3C, Fe2C, and FeO phases. Microhardness measurements confirmed a significant increase in the hardness of the hardened layer. Tribological tests showed a reduction in the coefficient of friction to 0.574 for 20Cr2Ni4A steel and to 0.424 for 37Cr4 (1.7034) (EN) steel, indicating an improvement in wear resistance after EPH.
hardened layer , plasma treatment , structural steels , surface hardening , surface modification , thermal effect , tribology
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“PlasmaScience” LLP, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070018, Kazakhstan
Research School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Shakarim University, Semey, 071412, Kazakhstan
“PlasmaScience” LLP
Research School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
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