Structure and properties of the layer deposited onto a low-carbon steel and then irradiated by an electron beam

Abstract

The phase composition and the mechanical and tribological properties of the layer that is deposited onto a martensitic low-carbon steel using a C–Cr–Nb–W flux cored wire and is additionally twice irradiated by a pulsed electron beam are studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron diffraction microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, wear resistance tests, and durometry. The wear resistance and the microhardness of the deposited layer increase manyfold with respect to the base material, and the friction coefficient of the layer decreases after electron-beam treatment. The increase in the mechanical and tribological properties of the deposited layer subjected to electron-beam treatment is shown to be due to the formation of a submicrocrystalline structure hardened by this treatment and due to the precipitation of the NbC niobium carbide.