Effect of the PEN/C surface layer modification on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of the 30CrMnSiA mild-carbon steel

• Main Authors: L.G. Zhurerova, B.K. Rakhadilov, N.A. Popova, M.K. Kylyshkanov, V.V. Buranich, A.D. Pogrebnjak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785419305927
• ISSN: 2238-7854

As result of plasma-electrolytic nitrocarburizing 30CrMnSiA carbon steel (ferrite-perlite grade), there was a change in the elemental and phase composition, as well as the surface layer microstructure (40 ÷ 45 microns thick from the surface). A formation of Me23(CN)6 carbonitrides, FeN nitrides, Fe3C - (Fe,Cr)3C carbides and an increase in dislocation density within α–phase (tempered martensite crystallites), high-temperature lamellar martensite were observed. As a result of PEN / C exposure for 7 min. at 750 °C there is a reduction of friction coefficient and wear rate, what is connected with finely dispersed secondary phases FeN, (Fe, Cr)3C, Me23(C, N)6 formation. Thus there is an 2,5 ÷ 3,3 times increase in hardness of 30CrMnSiA carbon steel samples. Keywords: Carbonitrides, Microstructure, Electrolytic plasma processing, Wear rate, Hardness, Mild-Carbon steel