Surface Layer Of Steel Research Articles

Eutectic resolidification and ultrafast self-quenching of the microstructure in the surface layer of high-speed steel by scanning electron beam treatment

Improving the service life and efficiency of high-speed steel (HSS) tools remains a formidable challenge. Herein, scanning electron beam (SEB) was employed to modify the surface of M2 HSS. Results revealed that SEB induced eutectic resolidification and ultrafast self-quenching of microstructure in surface layer of HSS. The melted layer exhibited a microstructure comprising martensite, residual austenite, dispersed finely rod-like MC and lamellar M2C eutectic carbides along grain boundaries. Martensite and eutectic carbide grid structure significantly enhanced the hardness and wear resistance of surface layer. Compared to substrate, the microhardness of SEB sample was elevated by more than threefold, reaching 914.7HV0.2, which exceeded the hardness (828.6HV0.2) of conventional quenching treatment. Notably, the wear volume of SEB sample had been reduced to 0.54 × 10−11 m3, resulting in a wear resistance that was 3.8 times greater than that of quenched sample.

Influence of Aluminum on the Retained Austenite Content and Stresses in the Surface Layer of Steel after a Hybrid Low‐Pressure Carburizing Process with Metallization

The article presents a unique method of modifying the surface layer properties of low‐alloy steels. This method consists of the simultaneous saturation of the surface layer with aluminum and carbon. A hybrid heat treatment process is used, which integrates diffusion metallization with low‐pressure carburizing (LPC). An aluminum coating is applied to the surface of the steel by physical vapour deposition or slurry method to saturate the surface layer with aluminum. The steel is then annealed to create a diffusion layer and subjected to LPC. Gas quenching in nitrogen and low‐temperature tempering are performed after carburization. This surface treatment tenfold reduces the amount of retained austenite in the carburized layer. This is particularly critical for carburized steels that include austenite‐stabilizing elements, such as nickel and manganese. This causes an increase in surface hardness. It also changes the state of residual stress compared to ordinary LPC to one that is more favorable from the point of view of operation—compressive stresses are generated in the technological surface layer.

Boriding of Low-Carbon Steel by Plasma Method: Microstructure and Coating Properties

In materials science, steel boration is a promising type of thermochemical diffusion process, the purpose of which is the introduction of hard and wear-resistant boride particles into the surface layers of the metal. The main disadvantage of boration is the fragility of borated layers, especially boride. Currently, there are promising methods for the formation of a composite structure, which are based on the treatment of surface layers of steels with concentrated energy flows (laser, electron beam and plasma). The work includes studies of microstructure, hardness measurements, analysis of phase composition, and determination of chemical composition in local locations, wear tests under various conditions, and adhesion testing of the coatings obtained after plasma boration. As the degree of alloying of the molten layer decreases in the direction from the surface to the base metal, zones of overeutectic, eutectic and pre-eutectic types with a different combination of structural components are formed. The material obtained after borating a mixture of 40% B + 10% Fe is characterized by the highest level of microhardness, which is 1000...1300 HV. The highest results in friction tests are provided by boration of a powder mixture of 40% B + 10% Fe.

Experiments and Molecular Simulations to Study the Effect of Surface-Active Compounds in Mixtures of Model Oils on CO2 Corrosion during Intermittent Oil-Water Wetting.

Intermittent oil-water wetting can have a significant effect on the internal corrosion of steel pipelines. This paper presents a combined experimental and molecular modeling study of several influential factors on the surface properties and corrosion behavior of mild steel in CO2 environments. The influence of different model oils (LVT-200 and Aromatic-200) and select surface-active compounds (myristic acid, cyclohexane butyric acid, and oleic acid) on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel during intermittent oil-water wetting was determined by measuring the corrosion rate after intermittent wetting cycles. The interfacial tension measurements were performed to study the incorporation of the oil phase along with surface-active molecules in the protective layer formed on the specimen surface. Results showed that the interfacial tension for an aromatic oil-water interface is lower than that for an aliphatic oil-water interface. To understand this result, molecular dynamics simulations of oil-water interfaces were performed in the presence of surface-active molecules and different oils to analyze the structure of the layer formed at the interface. The simulations supported the hypothesis that aromatic molecules are less structured at the interface, which results in the incorporation of more water molecules into the protective layer formed at the steel surface, causing a higher corrosion rate. On the other hand, the simulations revealed that myristic acid in an aliphatic oil forms a well-aligned structure at the interface, devoid of any water molecules. This is in agreement with the hypothesis that the linear molecular structure of myristic acid favors the alignment of molecules at an aliphatic oil-water interface, resulting in a lower interfacial tension and more effective corrosion mitigation as compared to the other two nonlinear compounds tested. It is concluded that an important factor controlling the corrosion behavior is the molecular structure of the oil-water interface, which is adopted by the steel surface layer through the Langmuir-Blodgett process.

Wear Behaviors of the Surface of Duplex Cast Steel after the Burnishing Process.

Duplex steel and cast steels have a wide range of applications in many industrial sectors, for example, oil extraction, printing, petrochemical industry, energy-exhaust gases desulphurization systems, seawater desalination plants, and the shipbuilding industry. The machine elements can be produced with different techniques, which determine the operational properties. A material with the same chemical composition made as a casting will have worse mechanical properties than, for example, a forged element. This depends on the microstructure, its fragmentation and its morphology. However, the costs of casting are lower than, for example, forging, and, in addition, not all shapes obtainable in the casting process can be made using metal-plastic working methods. This article presents research results concerning the influence of the burnishing process on the properties of the duplex cast steel surface layer. The purpose of the research was to verify the impact of static pressure roller burnishing (SPRB) parameters on the wear of the surface layer of duplex cast steel. The subject of the research was cast steel in the GX2CrNiMoN22-5-3 grade-according to PN-EN 10283:2019-that was burnished using 15 variants of technological parameters. Then, the samples were subjected to surface wear tests using the INSTRON 8874 device. On the basis of the observed wear appearances, the acting wear mechanisms are defined and evaluated according their contribution to the wear behavior. Detailed information about the wear phenomena will help industries to minimize their maintenance losses related to surface wear. The possibility of shaping surface properties by mechanical burnishing is part of the current direction of surface engineering development. This technology, combined with a high-potential material such as duplex cast steel, makes it possible to increase wear resistance.

ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ ПАРАМЕТРІВ ЛАЗЕРНОГО ВИПРОМІНЕННЯ ДЛЯ ОТРИМАННЯ СУБМІКРО- ТА НАНОСТРУКТУР У ЗМІЦНЮВАЛЬНИХ ПОКРИТТЯХ НА СТАЛЯХ

Using the previously developed model of theoretical processes in the zone of laser irradiation, where thermal and thermomechanical processes are described, including the influence of crystallization energy and other internal energies during the formation of nanostructures at various temperature levels, further investigation of the thermal and thermomechanical characteristics of different structural steels during the formation of nanostructures on their surfaces using laser irradiation was conducted. To validate the model, temperature fields were determined in the zone of laser irradiation on steel 20 (Fig. 1a) and steel 50 (Fig. 1b), considering both heating and cooling processes. Calculations were performed for heat flux densities and durations of exposure close to those necessary for obtaining nanostructures (500...2000 K) and with temperature rise rates exceeding 10^7 K/s. As a result of calculations using the refined thermal model, temperature distributions at a depth of 1 μm during laser irradiation on steel with different carbon contents (steel 20, 38Х, 50, and У8) at various peak heat flux densities in the surface layer were obtained. A spatiotemporal distribution of temperatures along the radius of the laser spot and over time during laser irradiation with a heat flux density of q=3∙10^8 W/m^2 at a spot radius of 0.1 mm was constructed. Zones of nanostructure formation were identified depending on the heat flux density over the duration of laser irradiation. Theoretical investigations using the updated thermal model confirmed the need to consider the temperature rise rate, as exceeding it increases the likelihood of thermomechanical failure. At the same time, due to insufficient temperature rise rates during laser nanostructure formation in the surface layers of carbon steels, more micro- and sub microstructures are formed.

Composition and Structure of the Surface Layers of Tool Steel after Laser Treatment

Composition and Structure of the Surface Layers of Tool Steel after Laser Treatment

INVESTIGATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF AISI 321 STAINLESS STEEL AFTER LASER SURFACE MELTING

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the microstructure of laser-melted surface layers of austenitic steel for biomedical applications. The surface of prismatic specimens from AISI 321 stainless steel was treated by continuous CO2 laser. Three modes of laser processing were used, ensuring surface melting. The microstructure was observed by OM and SEM, while the chemical composition was investigated by EDX analysis. It was found that the microstructure of as-delivered steel was two-phase and relatively inhomogeneous in morphology and chemical composition. It consisted of austenite with grain sizes between 20 - 150 μm, relatively large amount of striped δ-ferrite and spherical carbides along the grain boundaries. After laser melting, the microstructure remained two-phase (δ-ferrite and austenite), but became more homogeneous in morphology and composition. Different dendrites morphology in the particular regions of the molten layer was confirmed - fine equiaxed dendrites on the top surface and columnar at the bottom of the molten pool. Delta-ferrite is located in the interdendritic areas and in larger amounts in the transition zone between the molten.

Напряженно-деформированное состояние поверхностного слоя быстрорежущей стали при плазменной наплавке

Напряженно-деформированное состояние поверхностного слоя быстрорежущей стали при плазменной наплавке

Influence of the strain rate on the Surface Integrity on 42CrMo4 generated by machine hammer peening

Machine hammer peening is as well as deep rolling known to smoothen the surface, strain hardening and for inducing high compressive residual stresses in high depths in the surface and subsurface layer of steel. Although the beneficial effects of this manufacturing technology are well described, the influence of the strain rate on the surface and subsurface properties of machine hammer peened steel has yet to be examined. In this study three different kinetic impact energy levels and three different hammer diameters – resulting in nine different strain rates - are applied. For specimens made of hardened 42CrMo4 (AISI 4140), the analysis of the surface and subsurface properties by means of metallographic cross-sections and XRD measurements indicate that a variation of the strain rate mainly affects the depth effect at high levels of compressive residual stresses.

Влияние предварительной плазменной обработки поверхности стали 09Г2С на формирование покрытия в результате горячего цинкования

In recent years, the range of silicon-containing steels subjected to hot galvanizing has been expanding. Alloying of steel with 0.5–1 % of silicon leads to the formation of a zinc coating of great thickness with a matte or multi-colored surface. This is associated with the changes in phase reactions between iron and zinc in the Fe–Zn–Si system. The development of ways to neutralize the negative influence of silicon on the formation of zinc coating is an urgent task. The purpose of the work is to study the influence of preliminary plasma cutting and plasma surface hardening of 09G2S (S355J2) steel on the thickness and structure of zinc coating formed on treated surfaces. It was found that after plasma cutting, the structure of the surface layer of steel is martensite, and after plasma surface hardening, it is martensite and ferrite. Analysis of the change in microhardness from the steel surface to the middle showed that the hardened layer depth is 400 μm. A zinc coating consisting of a δ-phase and a ζ-phase is formed on the surface of the steel without pretreatment. On the surface of the steel after plasma treatment, a zinc coating is formed characteristic of low-silicon steels and consisting of the δ-phase, ζ-phase, and η-phase. It was found that the thickness of the zinc coating on the surface after plasma cutting is two times less than on the untreated surface, and the reduction in the coating thickness occurs due to a decrease in the ζ-phase thickness. A hypothesis was suggested that the martensite formation on the steel surface leads to the disappearance of the ordered FeSi phase and changes the phase equilibrium in the Fe–Zn–Si system. Consequently, preliminary plasma treatment of the steel surface allows controlling the structure and thickness of the resulting zinc coating and is therefore recommended for introduction into the hot galvanizing process of silicon-containing steels.

The Role of Carbides in Forming the Steels Structure and Properties under Pulsed Laser Irradiation

Introduction. At present, in scientific publications, there is no unambiguous understanding and reasoned metal physical justification of the role of the carbide phase of irradiated materials in forming the required structure and achieving a given degree of hardening of surface layers of steels during pulsed laser treatment, especially in the zone of laser hardening from a solid (austenitic) state. The solution to this issue is of great importance, since it allows us to reasonably and purposefully design the required structure of surface layers of products of various functional purposes with high performance properties. The complexity and insufficiently detailed study of the process of structure formation in the surface layers of steels under extreme thermal effects of pulsed laser radiation required a series of metal physical experiments to study the fine structure of steels after high-speed high-temperature hardening. The aim of this article was to obtain, quantify and critically analyze the array of results of metal physical studies and to assess the degree of influence of the carbide phase on the formation of structure and properties of surface layers of steels in the process of pulsed laser hardening in different modes, that is, with and without melting the surface of the samples. Materials and Methods. In the work, carbon and alloyed tool steels were subjected to surface laser irradiation at a Kvant 16 installation. The radiation power density was 70–200 MW/m2. Optical, scanning probe and electron microscopy were used in conducting metal physical studies, as well as methods of diffractometric, spectral and durometric analysis of steels before and after laser treatment. Results. It was shown that laser treatment of steels with a radiation power density of 130–200 MW/m2 led to a local change in the chemical composition in the laser-fused areas of the spot, partial or complete dissolution of carbides present in the irradiated metal and an increase in the amount of residual austenite in the fused areas up to 40–60 %. It was found that on P6M5 steel, the maximum possible hardness of the irradiated zones was achieved by dissolving 30 % of carbides, on 9XC, HVG steels — 60–70 %. It was shown that under pulsed laser irradiation with q=70–125 MW/m2, that is, without melting the steel surface, "white zones" formed around carbide inclusions under the influence of thermo-deformation stresses at the boundaries of the "carbide – steel matrix" composition. They had irretrievability, dispersion of the structure and increased hardness (10–12 GPa). It was determined that the maximum hardness of laser-hardened metal in the zones of laser hardening from a solid state was achieved if the "white zones" occupied 40 % of the irradiated area of steel. It was found that the dispersion of carbides in this case was 0.5–1.5 microns. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the conducted studies indicate that in order to obtain the best combination of hardness and viscosity of the irradiated zones during laser treatment with melting of the surface of steels of different chemical composition, it is necessary to dissolve different amounts of carbides. The dispersed structure of laser-fused steel zones, along with a sufficiently high content of residual austenite, predetermine the possibility of improving the operational characteristics of irradiated materials, especially under conditions of external shock loads. The analysis of the conducted metal physical studies irradiated without melting the surface of steels allows us to conclude that in order to obtain a high degree of hardening, it is necessary and expedient to ensure the presence of a certain volume of dispersed carbides in the structure of the irradiated steel. The structural composition of "white zones" formed during laser treatment without melting the steel surface contributes to obtaining a unique level of operational properties. The results of the performed studies contribute to the theory of steel structure formation under conditions of extreme heat exposure and allow for a rational choice of modes of surface laser processing of products and their operability.

Computer simulation of the relationship between selected properties of laser remelted tool steel surface layer

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Study of the structure and operational properties of the surface layer of 60S2A steel subjected to combined EMT + SPD hardening

Study of the structure and operational properties of the surface layer of 60S2A steel subjected to combined EMT + SPD hardening

An analytical model and experimental validation of annular heat source during scanning electron beam treatment

In this investigation, the maximum depth of penetration and power density coefficient are calculated by simulating the motion trajectories of electrons in surface layer of 5CrNiMo steel using Monte Carlo method, and the number of electrons is 500,000 in simulation. Then tomographic calculation is used to determine the distribution of power density coefficient on the section perpendicular to electron incidence direction, and a Gaussian columnar heat source model that matches the properties of electron beam is established. Finally, a mobile annular heat source model of scanning electron beam is then derived, combining it with the real operating mode. The temperature field during surface modification is simulated by using the mobile annular heat source model, and the simulation findings are compared to experimental data. The findings of Monte Carlo simulation demonstrate that the power density coefficient is Gaussian distributed on the section perpendicular to the depth of electron incidence and the peak power density at the center of each section changes with depth. The thickness and microstructure of re-melting layer predicted from the temperature field simulation is very close to the one from experimental findings. In our investigation, on top of deriving a model for the heat source of a single beam spot, we have also solved the problem of mathematical representation of the beam spot when it is doing high-speed rotational and linear composite motions. The aforementioned findings demonstrate that our study can provide methodological references for the construction of heat source models for different materials during electron beam treatment.

Investigation of the surface layer of wheel steel by indentation method

The article considers methods of measurement of microhardness and modulus of elasticity of plasma hardened wheel steel by kinetic indentation method. It provides features of measurement of microhardness, modulus of hardness, elastic recovery, influencing on wear resistance of surface layers of steel. Measurement of these characteristics of material allows estimating and choosing optimum technology of surface modification by surface plasma hardening. It is confirmed that objectivity of determination of microhardness, modulus of elasticity, elastic recovery and flow stress depends on strict observance of imprint depth requirements depending on thickness of hardened layer. It is noted that in spite of the increased amount of factual information, obtained by indentation method, the physical substantiation of hardness micro-mechanisms remains poorly understood, which necessitates substantiation of physical representations of the nature of hardness of metallic materials. It is established that the measurement of microhardness, elastic modulus and elastic recovery by the kinetic indentation method is expedient to use for certification of the surface layer of plasma-hardened wheel steel according to the parameters of physical and mechanical characteristics.

Effect of machining processes on the quenching and tempering surface layer of ultra-high strength steel

The initial characteristics of the surface layer following the quenching and tempering treatment of ultra-high-strength steel play a significant role in determining the subsequent precision machining. This study focus on investigating the influence of machining processes on the quenching and tempering surface layer. The machining processes affect both the oxidation of the quenching and tempering treatment and the development of a distinct preferred grain orientation. Gradual diminishment of surface abrasions leads to the transformation of the needle-like oxidation pattern into a layered oxidation structure. The preferred orientation of the grains prevents the grains from shear sliding, thereby enhancing the Taylor effect. Formation mechanisms of the microhardness and residual stress of the quenching and tempering surface layer induced by machining processes were also discussed and completely revealed. The microhardness is mainly attributed to the dynamic Hall-Petch effect, while plastic strain, dislocation energy storage, and phase transformation contribute to the residual stress changes.

Influence of combined electromechanical processing modes of 40Kh steel on its structure and hardness

The paper considers the effect of combined electromechanical processing in three different modes on the structure and hardness of the surface layers of 40Kh steel, which was in a normalized state (the original structure). The modes differ from each other by the different applied load and the number of pulses. The applied load in modes 1 and 2 (current strength 39 kA, pulse time 0.02 s, number of pulses 1) is 100 and 250 MPa, respectively. A distinctive feature of mode 3 compared to mode 2 is a greater number of pulses (two). Metallographically it was established that in all three cases a hardened surface layer of different thickness (from 300 to 1200 μm) with a hardness of 593 – 598 HV is formed, consisting of two zones (a surface zone with a structure of fine-needle martensite; a transition zone smoothly transitioning into the initial ferrite structure). The transition zone (treatment according to mode 1) in its structure contains martensite and ferrite. The transition zone (mode 2 processing) consists of a Widemannstett structure. A more substantial surface heating zone according to this mode (700 μm) in comparison with the processing according to mode 1 (300 μm) in combination with intensive heat removal contributed to the formation of a Widmanstett structure, which is defective and unacceptable for operation. The transition zone with the processing according to mode 3 has the structure of martensite and ferrite. The formation of a defective Widmanstett structure in the transition zone does not occur, since 2 times more pulses are used during processing than in mode 2. This contributes to the heating of the surface layer to a greater depth (1200 μm), and, consequently, the structure formation in the transition zone occurs from the intercritical interval Ag3 – Ag1 .

Re-healing of separated steel substrate and work-hardened surface layer in roll-bonded steel–aluminum laminates

Roll bonding is ideal for preparing metallic composite laminates (MCLs). When MCLs are prepared by roll bonding, a work-hardened surface layer (WHSL) is typically prepared on the plate surface to promote bonding. However, differences in the mechanical properties of the WHSL and substrate lead to the WHSL separated from steel substrate during roll bonding, resulting in low bonding strengths of the roll-bonded laminates. This study focused on steel–Al laminates to successfully heal the cracks between the WHSL and the steel substrates via heat treatment. The crack-healing mechanism, element diffusion behavior, bonding property, and fracture morphology of the laminates were investigated. The results show that after roll bonding, the WHSL of the steel surface was separated from the steel substrate, and the steel–Al laminates exhibited a lower bonding strength. After annealing the laminates with cracks between WHSL and steel substrate at 450 °C for 60 min, a 426.8 nm Fe2O3 layer was generated between the WHSL and the steel substrate, healing the cracks. Additionally, good connectivity was observed between the WHSL and steel substrate. The shear strength of the steel–Al laminates increased by 1.7 times after the formation of the Fe2O3 layer. Analysis of the fracture morphology showed that shear fracture primarily occurs at the interface between the WHSL and steel substrate before the formation of the Fe2O3 layer; after the Fe2O3 layer is formed, shear fracture primarily occurs in the aluminum substrate. This study provides a new strategy for improving the bonding strength of roll-bonded steel–Al laminates.

Effect on Surface Properties of H13 Mold Steel Cladding Layer by Scanning Strategy

Laser cladding technology is used to clad the surface layer of H13 mold steel with Ni60A metal powder coating to solve the failure problem. The study used JMatPro software to extract and fit the thermophysical property parameters of the substrate and the clad material, and then used ANSYS APDL software to qualitatively analyze the distribution of melt pool morphology, nodal temperature versus time course curve and residual stress magnitude during the laser cladding process. Based on the results of the minimum residual stress in the cladding, reasonable scan paths were derived for the preparation of metal coatings on the surface layer of the die steel. The results show that the maximum peak temperature of the cladding process is 2515°C using short path scanning. The cladding layer can form a good metallurgical bond with the substrate at this temperature, with a stress of 406.68 MPa in the scanning direction and 284.45 MPa perpendicular to the scanning direction, which is significantly smaller than the residual stresses of other scanning methods. The residual stress values for the different strategies are from largest to smallest: spiral scan > block scan > long path scan > short path scan.