STUDY OF THE DIFFUSION ELECTROLYTE PLASMA TREATMENT EFFECT ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 40Kh STEEL

This article studies the effects of diffusion electrolytic plasma boriding on the structure and tribological characteristics of 40Kh steel. X-ray diffraction and scanning microscopy were used to investigate the structural and phase composition, while the mechanical and tribological properties of the steel were measured using a hardness tester and tribometer. The characteristics of 40Kh steel in its initial state and after diffusion electrolytic plasma treatment followed by oxide removal by electrochemical polishing were compared. After diffusion electrolytic-plasma treatment, FeB and Fe₂B boride phases were detected on X-ray diffractograms, proving the diffusion process. A 5 times increase in microhardness and a 3 times decrease in wear intensity were also determined, depending on the initial state. It was established that the morphology of the structure after boriding has a zonality consisting of three zones: the borided layer, the diffusion zone, and the heat-affected zone. The research data indicates the potential of using diffusion electrolytic-plasma treatment in mechanical engineering and the processing of parts for the mining industry. 

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