Abstract
The article studies the effect of electrolytic plasma hardening (EPH) on the properties of 20GL steel. The work is aimed at solving an important problem for mechanical engineering and construction industries - increasing the service life of parts made of 20GL cast steel through the use of a highly efficient and relatively new method of electrolytic plasma hardening. The processing modes that increase the microhardness and corrosion resistance of the material are experimentally determined. It is found that EPH promotes the formation of a fine-grained structure and oxide film, improving the surface characteristics. Comparative data on the structure and properties of samples under different EPH modes are presented. The optimal hardening mode (voltage ~300 V, holding time 8-10 s) is a rational choice for cast parts made of 20GL steel, providing a balance between achieving high hardness parameters and a relatively small increase in corrosion activity. The EPH method has shown high applicability in industry as an alternative to traditional heat treatment. The results of the study will improve the methods of heat treatment of 20GL steel, which will contribute to the improvement of the performance characteristics of materials used in mechanical engineering, transport equipment and related industries. The use of electrolytic plasma hardening can reduce the time and energy costs of steel processing and increase the efficiency of the process itself.