Microstructure and Microhardness Changes of 30CrMnSiA Steel Modified Surface Layers by Electrolyte-Plasma Processing

Abstract

This work is devoted to research of 30CrMnSiA steel structurally modified surface layers and study of electrolyte-plasma treatment parameters influence on changing peculiarities of structural-phase state and also the increase of constructional 30CrMnSi steel operating ability. The chosen technology leads to the formation of stable ferrite-pearlite structures in 30CrMnSi steel surface layers, provides high mechanical properties. As for the basic experimental methods of research in the work we used metallographic analysis applying optical microscope «NEOPHOT-21» and «AXIOPHOT-2», Х-ray analysis on the diffractometer ХPertPRO in monochromatic CuKα-radiation, mechanical tests for microhardness on PMT-3М installation. It is established that microstructure of 30CrMnSi steel modified layers samples while different processing modes, consists of α - phase, iron carbides. Using technology of structural steels electrolytic-plasma cementation under arc discharge terms in the electrolyte, we get diffusive surface layer with increased microhardness parameters and wear resistance providing good operating ability for details often subjected to wear.

Plasma Electrolytic Cementation of 0.3C-1Cr-1Mn-1Si-Fe Steel

“…Also on the surface modified layer was revealed cementite mesh, which outlines the fine ferritic structure of the surface [10]. Due to the fact that carbon, like nitrogen, is an easy element, its identification and quantitative characteristics in energy dispersive analysis on SEM without the use of appropriate filters are purely formal.…”