Effect of Electrolytic-Plasma Hardening on the Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Low-Alloy Steels

Bauyrzhan K. Rakhadilov, Zarina A. Satbayeva, Almasbek Maulit, R. Kurmangaliev, Anuar Rustemov

Metals, 2025

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DOI 10.3390/met15070698
Data confidence 85 high
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Abstract

This study investigates the effect of electrolytic-plasma hardening (EPH) on the structure, phase composition, and tribological properties of the low-alloy steels 20Cr2Ni4A and 37Cr4 (1.7034) (EN). Hardening was carried out at a voltage of 320 V for 7 s in an aqueous solution containing 20% soda ash and 10% carbamide. Using scanning electron microscopy, the formation of a zonal structure with a hardened surface layer characterized by a needle-like martensitic morphology was revealed. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of Fe, Fe3C, Fe2C, and FeO phases. Microhardness measurements confirmed a significant increase in the hardness of the hardened layer. Tribological tests showed a reduction in the coefficient of friction to 0.574 for 20Cr2Ni4A steel and to 0.424 for 37Cr4 (1.7034) (EN) steel, indicating an improvement in wear resistance after EPH.