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A new method of surface modification based on the method of electrospark alloying (ESA) using carburizer containing nitrogen—carbon components for producing coatings is considered. New processes have been proposed that include the step of applying saturating media in the form of paste-like nitrogenous and nitrogenous-carbon components, respectively, onto the surface without waiting for those media to dry, conducting the ESA process with the use of a steel electrode-tool, as well as with a graphite electrode-tool. Before applying the saturating media, an aluminium layer is applied onto the surface with the use of the ESA method at a discharge energy of Wp = 0.13–6.80 J. A saturating medium in the form of a paste was applied to the surfaces of specimens of steel C22 and steel C40. During nitriding, nitrocarburizing and carburization by ESA (CESA) processes, with an increase in the discharge energy (Wp), the thickness, micro hardness and continuity of the "white layer" coatings, as well as the magnitude of the surface roughness, increase due to saturation of the steel surface with nitrogen and/or carbon, high cooling rates, formation of non-equilibrium structures, formation of special phases, etc. In the course of nitriding, nitrocarburizing and CESA processing of steels C22 and C40, preliminary processing with the use of the ESA method by aluminum increases the thickness, microhardness and continuity of the "white layer", while the roughness changes insignificantly. Analysis of the phase composition indicates that the presence of the aluminum sublayer leads to the formation of the aluminum-containing phases, resulting in a significant increase in the hardness and, in addition, in an increase in the thickness and quality of the surface layers. The proposed methods can be used to strengthen the surface layers of the critical parts and their elements for compressor and pumping equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A characteristic feature of sintered stainless steel (SSS) is its porosity. Porosity results in a lower density of steel, making attractive components for producing lightweight structures and materials used in industry (e.g., the automotive industry or aerospace). Scientists also observe that porosity adversely affects steel's properties, especially its strength properties. One of the proposals for improving the discussed properties is the use of surface treatment of sintered stainless steels, e.g., with the use of concentrated energy sources such as plasma beams or laser beams. However, this proposal is an incidental subject of research, which is not justified from the point of view of the obtained research results presented by a few research groups. In this study, the surface modification (surface treatment) of sintered stainless steel was presented. The authors proposed the use of two surface treatments in order to compare them and obtain the best results. The first treatment was the deposit of Cr3C2–NiCr coatings on SSS surfaces using the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) method. The second treatment was to create surface layers on SSSs by laser alloying the surface with a CO2 laser. Due to high precision and ease of automation, the most common methods in surface alloying treatment are laser technologies. This research's main aim was to analyze the microstructure and strength properties of the SSS surface layer. The research confirms that applying the Cr3C2–NiCr coating and modifying the surface layer through the laser alloying method improves the mechanical properties of SSSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of laser treatment for the improving mechanical and tribological properties coatings fabricated in the C45 carbon steel by ESD process. The studies were conducted using WC-Cu electrodes produced by sintering nanostructural powders and molten with a laser beam. The tests proved that ESD WC-Cu coatings are characterized by lower hardness and friction coefficient, but higher roughness. The result of laser processing improves structure by refinement, healing of microcracks and pores of ESD coatings. Laser treated ESD coatings can be applied in sliding friction pairs and as protective coatings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper described properties of electro-spark deposited coatings under influence of the laser treatment process. The properties were assessed by analyzing the coating microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance tests and tribological studies. The tests were conducted for Mo and Cu coatings (the anode) which were electro-spark deposited over the C45 steel substrate (the cathode) and melted with a laser beam. The coatings were deposited by means of an ELFA-541. The laser processing was performed with an Nd:YAG laser. The coatings after laser processing are still distinguished by very good performance properties, which make them suitable for use in sliding friction pairs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]