Abstract
: In this paper, we investigate the improvement of the operational and mechanical properties of 45 steel used in agricultural machinery by electrolytic plasma quenching (EPH). The experiments were carried out under three treatment modes: 320 V voltage, 50 A current and exposure time of 9 seconds. Microstructure analysis showed the formation of a martensitic layer with a thickness of 500-550 microns, which led to an increase in the microhardness of steel from 200 HV to 683 HV, that is, 3.4 times. The zonal structure of the material is revealed: a reinforced (martensitic) layer with a thickness of 500 microns, a thermal impact zone of 200-250 microns and a basic matrix. The results of the study confirmed the high efficiency and reliability of EPC as a method of hardening highly loaded working bodies of agricultural machinery. The introduction of this technology makes it possible to reduce the cost of replacing parts by 30-35%, increase the efficiency of equipment and contribute to the development of domestic agricultural machinery. The use of a 20% sodium carbonate solution, which does not pollute the environment, during the EPH ensured an even distribution of electric current in the cell and contributed to achieving an optimal cooling rate of the sample.