Hardening of stainless steel surface layers by non-vacuum electron beam cladding

Abstract

The results of an investigation of the structure and properties of the material surface layers formed by cladding of TiN, B₄C and Ti powder mixtures onto stainless steel by heating with a beam of relativistic electrons released into the ambient air are presented. The cladded layers with a thickness of 2–3 mm are characterized by a heterogeneous structure consisting of iron and chromium borides, titanium nitride and carbide uniformly distributed in the eutectic matrix. The wear resistance tests under conditions of friction against fixed abrasive particles show a threefold increase in the resistance of surface layers in comparison with that of the base material.