INFLUENCE OF PLASMA ELECTROLYTIC HARDENING ON THE STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF 20Cr2Ni4A STEEL

Abstract

This work presents the results of plasma electrolytic hardening of steel 20Cr2Ni4A. The optimal electrolyte composition for electrolytic-plasma hardening of steels containing 20 % sodium carbonate and 20 % urea has been determined. As a result, a modified layer was obtained on the surface of steel with increased hardness and wear resistance. In this case, the basis of the material does not change, it consists of a ferritic-pearlitic structure, i.e. the part retains its viscous core, and the surface layer contains carbide particles. The presence of carbide particles in the surface layers has a positive effect on the performance properties of the parts, since small carbides keep the products from abrasion.