Abstract
In order to obtain the modified surface structure of the 20Cr2Ni4A steel plasma electrolytic hardening (PEH) method was used. The surface hardening process was conducted in the aqueous electrolyte solution of 20% sodium carbonate and 20% urea. The sample consists of a ferritic-pearlitic structure, i.e. the part retains its viscous core, and the surface layer contains carbide particles. Hardening process induces martensite transformation and creation of carbide particles in the surface layer. The presence of carbide particles in the surface layers has a positive effect on the tribo-mechanical performance. Hardened structure 600 μm long was obtained with hardness increase up to 520 HV and 2.5 times higher wear resistance. Tribological test results showed the difference of the coefficient of friction as a function of surface roughness determined by plasma-electrolytic hardening process.