Investigation of Electrical Discharge Processes During Electrolytic–Plasma Nitrocarburizing
Rakhadilov B. Sulyubayeva L. Maulit A. Alimbekuly T.
July 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Materials
2025#18Issue 14
In this study, the process of electrolytic–plasma nitrocarburizing (EPNC) of 20-grade steel was investigated using various electrolytes and temperature regimes. At the first stage, optical spectral analysis of plasma emission during EPNC was carried out with spectral registration in the range of 275–850 nm, which allowed the identification of active components (Hα, CN, Fe I, O I lines, etc.) and the calculation of electron density. Additionally, the EPNC process was recorded using a high-speed camera (1500 frames per second), which made it possible to visually evaluate the dynamics of arc and glow discharges under varying electrolyte compositions. At the next stage, the influence of temperature regimes (650 °C, 750 °C, and 850 °C) on the formation of the hardened layer was studied. Using SEM and EDS methods, the morphology, phase zones, and the distribution of chemical elements were determined. Microhardness measurements along the depth and friction tests were carried out. It was found that a temperature of 750 °C provides the best balance between the uniformity of chemical composition, high microhardness (~800 HV), and a minimal coefficient of friction (~0.48). The obtained results confirm the potential of the selected EPNC regime for improving the performance characteristics of 20-grade steel.
electrolytic–plasma nitrocarburizing , friction coefficient , high-speed imaging , microstructure , spectral analysis , temperature regime
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PlasmaScience LLP, Oskemen, 070018, Kazakhstan
Research Center Surface Engineering and Tribology, Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Oskemen, 070000, Kazakhstan
Research School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Shakarim University, Semey, 071412, Kazakhstan
PlasmaScience LLP
Research Center Surface Engineering and Tribology
Research School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
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