Abstract
The present work is devoted to the investigation of the effect of the electrolyte-plasma surface hardening process on the structure and properties of 20GL steel used for the preparation of railroad products (the supertor bar and the side frame). The electrolyte-plasma surface hardening process was carried out in an electrolyte from an aqueous solution of 20% sodium carbonate in the following mode: the applied voltage between the anode and the sample when heated to a quenching temperature of 320 V, the heating time by electrolytic-plasma exposure of 2 s and 3 s, ~ 850 °С. The results of a study of the structure of the sample showed the lines of the α phase and the weak reflexes of cementite and oxide. The thickness of the modified layer was 500–550 μm. The results of the study of the mechanical properties of the sample showed a slight increase in the microhardness, but a significant increase in wear resistance of the 20GL steel sample after treatment.