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In this work, the mechanical and tribological characteristics of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) sheets were enhanced by electron beam irradiation. PEEK sheets irradiated at a speed of 0.8 m/min with a total dose of 200 kGy achieved the lowest specific wear rate of 4.57 ± 0.69 (10−6 mm3/N−1m−1), compared to unirradiated PEEK with a rate of 13.1 ± 0.42 (10−6 mm3/N−1m−1). Exposure to an electron beam at 9 m/min for 30 runs, with a dose of 10 kGy per run for a total dose of 300 kGy, resulted in the highest improvement in microhardness, reaching 0.222 GPa. This may be due to the decrease in crystallite size, as indicated by the broadening of the diffraction peaks in the irradiated samples. According to the results of thermogravimetric analysis, the degradation temperature of the irradiated samples remained unchanged at 553 ± 0.5 °C, except a sample irradiated at dose 400 kGy, where the degradation temperature shifted towards a lower position of 544 ± 0.5 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the melting temperature (Tm) of the unirradiated PEEK was about 338 ± 0.5 °C, while a high temperature shift of the Tm was observed for the irradiated samples.

This research studies the effects of addition of micro- and nanoparticles of TiO2 and variations in the firing temperature on the physico-mechanical properties of oxide-beryllium ceramics, shows the evolution of the microstructure of such ceramics during sintering, and presents the data of X-ray phase analysis. It was shown that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles leads to a higher density of the ceramic material after sintering due to the interpenetration of TiO2 and BeO phases, which is caused by an increase in the diffusion mobility of atoms that can in turn be attributed to an increase in the imperfection of the structure and the fraction of grain boundaries. It was found that the presence of nanoparticles contributes to an increase in the apparent density of the material, as well as a decrease in its total and closed porosity; and an increase in the sintering temperature contributes to the transformation of the crystalline structure of TiO2 into a more conductive Ti3O5with an orthorhombic structure. The presence of nanoparticles also promotes self-healing of micropores, which can be explained by the blocking of a certain fraction of the interfaces between BeO particles by nanoparticles and the creation of a diffusion barrier.

Electrolytic plasma thermocyclic surface hardening is an attractive solution for both chemical and heat treatment used to improve the properties of the steel surface by structural and phase transformation. Structural and phase transformations occurring during the process of electrolytic plasma thermocyclic hardening are performed repeatedly at varying heating–cooling temperatures, which radically improve the quality of the part and give them properties unattainable by means of one-time processing. The impact of electrolytic plasma thermocyclic hardening modes on the structure and mechanical and tribological properties of 30CrMnSiA steel is investigated. The structural and phase components were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray phase analysis. It is established that the structure of the cross-section is characterized by the following zonality: zone 1—a near-surface hardened zone, which is composed of hardened martensite; zone 2—thermal influence; and zone 3—a matrix consisting of pearlite and ferrite. The microhardness and wear resistance of the hardened surface were evaluated by nanoindentation and “ball on disk” methods, respectively. Nanoindentation analysis demonstrated that the indentation hardening process provides a maximum increase in hardness by three times and an increase in stiffness with a decrease in the elastic modulus by 38% compared to the original steel. The results of tribological studies show that electrolytic plasma thermocyclic hardening increases the resistance of steel to friction by increasing the surface hardness and reduces the area of actual contact during friction. It is established that the microhardness of the cross-section decreases proportionally from the surface to the depth of the layer, which is associated with a decrease in the volume content of martensite.

This work presented a study of the structure, hardness and wear resistance of 65G steel treated with electrolyte-plasma hardening under different conditions. The electrolyte-plasma hardening technology and a laboratory installation for the realisation of electrolyte-plasma hardening are also described. After electrolyte-plasma hardening, we have established that a modified layer consists of the a-phase (martensite) and M3C cementite. The study results showed that electrolyte-plasma hardening makes it possible to obtain layers on the 65G steel surface that provides an increase in microhardness by 2.6 times, wear resistance by two times, resistance to abrasive wear by 1.7 times compared to the original samples. In addition, local hardening ensures the achievement of technical and economic effects due to the absence of the need to isolate an unwanted site of parts, processing only the areas requiring hardening.

This work shows the results of research of the fine and dislocation structure of the transition layer of 18CrNi3Mo low-carbon steel after the influence of electrolytic plasma. Conducted research has shown that the modified steel layer, as a result of carbonitriding, was multiphase. Quantitative estimates were made for carbonitride М23(С,N)6 in various morphological components of α-martensite and on average by material in the transition layer of nitro-cemented steel. It was established that α-phase is tempered martensite after nitrocementation. Released martensite is represented by batch, or lath and lamellar low-temperature and high-temperature martensite. Inside the tempered martensitic crystals, lamellar cementite precipitates are simultaneously present, and residual austenite is found along the boundaries of the martensitic rails and plates of low-temperature martensite. It was determined that inside the crystals of all morphological components of α-martensite there are particles of carbonitride М23(С,N)6.

This work are presented the research results of pulse plasma treatment influence on the phase composition, hardness, roughness and element composition of coatings on the bases of Fe-TiB2-CrB2. The Fe-TiB2-CrB2 coating was deposited by detonation method. The following pulse-plasma treatment was used to modify the structure and properties of the surface layers of the sprayed coating. The results of mechanical experiments showed that the hardness of Fe-TiB2-CrB2 coating increased after the treatment. On the basis of the X-ray analysis, it has been established that the increase of coating hardness is connected with phase transformations in a surface layer, in particular, with formation of oxide phases and increase of carbide particles quantity.

This paper presents the study results of structural-phase composition and mechano-tribological properties of Al2O3 coatings after exposure of concentrated energy flows. Revealed that the treated coatings are generally characterized by high microhardness compared to the initial coating. Determined that after treatment with detonation and air-plasma action is observed an increase in the intensity of α-Al2O3 reflexes. Established that the increasing hardness of detonation coatings is associated with an increasing density of the material and the recovery of the α-phase Al2O3 in the composition of the protective layer under the influence of thermal activation of the surface. Determined that after treatment with detonation and plasma exposure is observed an increase in the intensity of reflexes α-Al2O3. Established that the treatment with detonation and air-plasma action leads to a decrease in the friction coefficient. The obtained data indicate that the tribological characteristics of coating based on aluminium oxide can be improved by exposure to concentrated energy flows. Established that coatings treated with plasma action showed high tribological properties.

This work were studied the effect of technological parameters of detonation spraying on the phase composition and tribological characteristics on the bases of NiCr and Al2O3 coatings. As well as there was obtained and investigated multilayer coating on the bases of NiCr/NiCr- Al2O3/Al2O3 . It was determined that during detonation spraying the phase composition of Al2O3 coatings strongly depends on the degree of filling the borehole with a gas mixture. The a - Al2O3 -phase content in the coatings increases when the degree of filling is 63% and 54%. Only one CrNi3 phase is observed on the diffractograms and only increase of reflex intensity (020) at barrel filling by 58% is observed by sputtering on the bases of NiCr coatings in different degrees of barrel filling. The results of the coating nanohardness study showed that the hardness of the Al2O3 coating increases depending on the content of a- Al2O3 in it. Al2O3 coating has the maximum nanohardness values and is 16.42 GPa at the borehole is filled to 63%. The nanohardness of NiCr coating has the maximum values at barrel filling by 58% and consisting of 8.02 GPa.

In this study, the research results of the influence of pulsed plasma treatment on phase composition, hardness, and roughness of Cr3C2-NiCr coatings are presented. The Cr3C2-NiCr coating was applied to substrate 12Kh18N10T stainless steel by detonation spraying method. To change the physical and mechanical properties of sprayed coating’s surface layers, subsequent pulse-plasma treatment was used. The pulse-plasma treatment leads to changing the roughness of Cr3C2-NiCr coating. The results of mechanical tests showed that after pulsed plasma treatment, the hardness of Cr3C2-NiCr coating is increased. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that the hardness increasing of coating is associated with phase transformations on the surface layer, in particular, the formation of the oxide phase and an increase in the number of carbide particles.

The article presents the study results of detonation spraying parameters on the phase composition and tribological properties of NiCr-Al2O3 powder coatings. The spraying was carried out at a ratio of the acetylene-oxygen mixture O2 /C2H2=1.856. The detonation barrel filling volume with an explosive gas mixture varied from 30% to 68%. It is determined that the phase composition of the NiCr-Al2O3 coatings varies depending on the degree of detonation barrel filling. With an increase in the detonation barrel’s filling volume, the intensity of the NiCr diffraction peaks is decreased, and the intensity of the a-Al2O3 reflexes is increased, which indicates an increase in the content of the Al2O3 phase. When low filling volume, there is determined a low coating density and uneven roughness. The tribological test results showed that with an increase in the detonation barrel filling volume, there is a decrease in the wear volume, which confirms the increase in the coatings wear resistance. Determined that the lowest friction coefficient was recorded in the sample obtained at the barrel filling volume 68%. The coatings’ high wear resistance is associated with an increase in the alpha phase volume fraction of a-Al2O3 and coatings density.

The features of the formation of low-temperature plasma and its interaction with a metal surface were studied in this work. A qualitative model of the interaction of low-temperature plasma with the steel surface during nitriding has been developed by summarizing the available research results and taking into account the specific features of the electrolyte plasma process. In accordance with this model, in the first moments of the interaction of low-temperature plasma with the steel surface in the near-surface layer, which accelerated formation of the Feα(N) solid solution occurs due to the action of directed bombardment of charged particles, which enhances the adsorption and diffusion of nitrogen into the interior of the material, then dispersed particles of nitride of alloying elements are formed as further saturation in places with an increased level of free energy (at lattice defects, at grain boundaries, etc.). Subsequently, transformations occur in the surface zone of the layer when the limiting solubility of nitrogen in iron is exceeded, which leading to the formation of nitrides of the γ′-phase (Fe4N) and ε-phase (Fe2–3N) in it. Thus, electrolyte plasma nitriding opens up many new possibilities, in particular: varying the nitriding temperature over a wide range (400–700 ºC), targeted production of a nitrided layer consisting only of a diffusion layer without a layer of compounds, while obtaining a diffusion layer with particles γ’-phase (Fe4N) of plate form and with finely dispersed nitrides MN (CrN). The use of an electric discharge in an electrolyte (low-temperature plasma) makes it possible to increase the heating rate and diffusion saturation of the material surface. This work is of practical importance, since the studied method of electrolytic-plasma nitriding makes it possible to obtain a modified surface layer on steels with high physical and mechanical properties.

This work presents the results of the study of tribological and corrosion properties of powder coatings based on VN, TiN, SiC and Cr2N obtained by mechanochemical synthesis on the surface of steel balls ShKh15. The idea of this method is using the impact energy of moving balls to apply coatings on metal surfaces. Based on the conducted research, it was proved using the method of mechanochemical synthesis possible to obtain a coating of VN, TiN, SiC, and Cr2N on the surface of steel balls. The optimal parameters for coating were chosen: amplitude of the oscillation 3.5 mm; frequency of the oscillation 50 Hz; volume of filling of the chamber 50 %, the diameter of the ball 6 mm; ratio mass of the powder to the mass of the balls mp:mb=1:30, processing time by mechanochemical synthesis is 1 hour. It is established that the change in the haracteristics of coatings directly depends on the stiffness and physical and mechanical properties of the source material (substrate) and surface roughness. The results of the tribological study showed that a wear-resistant coating was formed on the surface of the steel balls.

The article presents the results of studying the process of electrolytic-plasma hardening of 0.34Cr-1Ni-Mo-Fe steel by surface hardening, as well as the results of the current-voltage characteristics of the cathodic electrolytic-plasma process depending on the composition of the electrolyte. Temperature-time and special modes of electrolytic-plasma hardening of steel 0.34Cr-1Ni-Mo-Fe were determined. The optimal composition of the electrolyte for electrolytic-plasma hardening has been determined, providing a relatively high heating rate and high hardness of the steel surface. It has been determined that after the electrolytic-plasma hardening, the microhardness of 34KhN1M steel increases 2.9 times due to the formation of fine martensite. In this case, the basis of the material does not change, it consists of a ferrite-pearlite structure.

Structural-phase transformations in 0.34C–1Cr–1Ni–1Mo–Fe steel during plasma electrolytic hardening were investigated. Electrolytic-plasma hardening of steel samples was carried out by surface quenching with rapid concentrated heating of the surface by plasma action and subsequent rapid cooling by heat removal from the depth of the sample by electrolyte jet. Plasma electrolytic hardening was carried out in the cathode mode in an electrolyte made from an aqueous solution containing 20 % sodium carbonate and 10 % carbamide. To study the structural-phase states of the modified layer, we used the method of transmission diffraction electron microscopy on thin foils. The study of steel samples was carried out before and after the plasma electrolytic hardening. Initially, the steel was a mixture of pearlite and ferrite grains. Surface hardening of 0.34C–1Cr– 1Ni–1Mo–Fe ferrite-pearlite steel led to a change in the structural-phase state and the formation of a packet-lamellar martensite structure. It was found that PEH leads to distortion of the crystal lattice and the formation of long-range internal stresses, as well as to the release of small particles of cementite and carbide of M23C6 type, uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the material. Surface hardening led to the increase in all quantitative parameters of the fine structure (ρ, ρ±, χ, σL, σd).

The present study is devoted to research into the morphology and structural-phase state of an R6M5 high speed steel surface layer after it was affected by a plasma beam. It was discovered, that R6M5 steel is a multi-phase material with an α-phase, γ-phase (retained austenite) and carbide phase just as in the initial state. The main phase component of the R6M5 steel matrix before and after plasma beam processing was an α-phase (γ → α’-martensite): lamellar and lath martensite; but lamellar martensite is dominated by a volume ratio ~90 % gross share α’-martensite. The γ-phase as the second morphological component of the steel matrix (retained austenite) yields within the martensite plates the form of twintype colonies with a volume ratio of ~6 %. It was established that there were М6С -type carbide particles of complex composition (Fe,W,Mo)6C in the material just as in the initial state. It should be said that in its initial state, the dislocation structure, formed under the effect of the plasma beam, is characterized by fairly high value of excess density of dislocations with an average value of ρ± = 2.0 × 1010 cm-2 (in the initial state ρ± = 1.7 × 1010 cm-2) along with scalar density. The depth of torsion curve of the face-centered space lattice in the α’-martensite is χ = 500 cm-1 (in the initial state it is equal to χ ~436 cm-1), the amplitude of the inner long-distance voltage is σ∂ = 280 МPа (in the initial state it is equal to σ∂ = 260 МPа). Thus, the amplitude of shift voltage is equal to σL = 420 МPа (in the initial state it is σL = 350 МPа); nevertheless, σL > σ∂ remains the mean torsion-curve of the fcs-lattice of α’-martensite maintaining its lamellar nature after the effect of the electron beam much as in the initial state.

In work considers the results of studies of the phase composition and mechanical-tribological properties of Ni-Cr detonation coatings obtained at different values of the volume of filling the detonation barrel with an explosive acetylene-oxygen mixture. Analysis of the obtained experimental results indicates that the phase composition and properties of detonation coatings strongly depend on the technological parameters of spraying. When the barrel is filled with an explosive gas mixture of 40%, the coating is not dense enough, with noticeable boundaries between individual particles, which may be the result of insufficient heating and acceleration of the particles of the sprayed powder. It is determined that when the volume of filling the detonation barrel with an explosive mixture is up to 60%, there is a widening and a decrease in the intensity of the main peaks. Higher values of microhardness were obtained at 50% filling of the barrel. The results of tribological tests of coatings showed that the coating applied when filling the detonation barrel with an explosive mixture of up to 60% has a lower coefficient of friction than other coatings.

In this work, consider the aspects of obtaining powder coatings that possessing certain working properties obtained by detonation spraying. Experimental research were carried on the effect of technological parameters of the detonation spraying process on the phase composition and properties of Ti-Si-C coatings. It is determined that when the volume of filling the detonation barrel with an explosive mixture increases to 70% in the detonation wave flow, the Ti3SiC2 powder partially decomposes into TiC consequently the high-speed shock interaction of heated to high temperatures. Installed that when filling the barrel with an explosive mixture of 50% and 60%, a low extent of decomposition of Ti3SiC2 powder can be achieved. It is determined that an increase in the volume content of the TiC phase in the composition of coatings bring to a decrease in the hardness of the Ti-C-Si coating.

In order to obtain the modified surface structure of the 20Cr2Ni4A steel plasma electrolytic hardening (PEH) method was used. The surface hardening process was conducted in the aqueous electrolyte solution of 20% sodium carbonate and 20% urea. The sample consists of a ferritic-pearlitic structure, i.e. the part retains its viscous core, and the surface layer contains carbide particles. Hardening process induces martensite transformation and creation of carbide particles in the surface layer. The presence of carbide particles in the surface layers has a positive effect on the tribo-mechanical performance. Hardened structure 600 μm long was obtained with hardness increase up to 520 HV and 2.5 times higher wear resistance. Tribological test results showed the difference of the coefficient of friction as a function of surface roughness determined by plasma-electrolytic hardening process.

The purpose of this experiment was to prepare high-voltage porcelain ceramics as local raw materials. Density, water absorption, and volume shrinkage were determined according to the State standard (GOST 7025-91). A structural analysis was carried out using a scanning electron microscope, and an X-ray phase analysis was carried out on an Xpert PRO diffractometer. It was found, that in the initial state, ceramics consist of hexagonal (SiO2) and a small amount of monoclinic phase. Above a temperature of 1150 °С they consist of hexagonal (SiO2), an orthorhombic lattice, and also contain mullite (Al2Si2O13).

The article were studied the effect of detonation spraying on the structure and properties of Al2O3 coatings. It was determined that reducing the delay time between shots is leading to increase the hardness and elastic module of Al2O3 coatings. It was found on the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis that the main reason for the increasing in hardness with a decreasing in the delay time between shots is associated with increasing in the volume fraction of α -Al2O3 phase. The studies of X-ray diffraction presented that the highest content of the phase is achieved when the coatings are formed with a delay time between shots of 0.25 s. It was found that increasing in the volume fraction of the α -Al2O3 phase is caused by the secondary recrystallization γ → α , which occurs due to the heating of particles during coating formation, i.e. due to increasing in temperature above 1100 ◦C in single spots of the coating when they are put each other.

This paper examines the influence of electrolyte-plasma surface hardening on the structure and microhardness of wheel steel mark 2. In the work electrolyte-plasma surface quenching was carried out in an electrolyte made from an aqueous solution of 10% carbamide (NH2)2CO+20% sodium carbonate Na2CO3 . The work investigated the strength limit, fluidity and wear intensity of the wheeled steel after electrolyte-plasma surface quenching. After electrolytic-plasma surface quenching, a batch, high-temperature plate and low-temperature plate martensit is formed on the surface of the sample. Investigations have been carried out on microhardness determination on cross-section of wheel steel samples after quenching in aqueous solution of electrolyte. It is found that after electrolytic-plasma surface quenching, the microhardening values of this hardened surface layer increased on ≈ 3 times compared to the steel matrix, and the thickness of the hardened layer is 1000-1500 µm. According to the results of the scanning transmission electron microscopy, the electrolyte-plasma surface quenching caused a change in the morphological constituents of steel mark 2. In the initial state, the matrix of steel is a α -phase, the morphological components of which are fragmented ferrite, unfragmented ferrite and pearlite.

The paper discusses the results of studying the structure and properties of powder coatings based on Ti3SiC2/TiC, obtained by the method of detonation spraying on the surface of the tool steel N9. It is determined that the coating has a uniform structure, cracks and delaminations are not observed. The results of X-ray structural analysis of coatings showed that the coating before annealing consists of phases TiC and Ti3SiC2. After annealing, the formation of TiO2 phases and an increase in the intensity of the (103) and (108) reflections of the Ti3SiC2 phases are observed. It is established that an increase in the content of the phases of Ti3SiC2 in coatings leads to an increase in the microhardness of coatings.

This work presents the experimental results of the study of the effect of heat treatment on the structural-phase state of TiN coatings on the surface of 67KH5B alloy. It is determined that thermal annealing leads to structural phase transformations at the interface between the coating and the substrate. It was established that after annealing at Т=800 °С, due to the redistribution of the coating elements and the substrate, a modified coating is formed consisting of the TiN, Ti2N and NiTi phases.

The results of work on the impact of electron beam treatment on the structure, mechanical properties, microhardness, and thermal stability of ultra-high molecular polyethylene (PE-UHMW) are presented in this work. Electron beam processing was carried out on an industrial impulse accelerator ILU-10. The samples were irradiated with electrons with energies of 2.5 MeV, 3.5 MeV and 4.5 MeV, and the radiation dose varied from 2MGy to 9 MGy. It was determined by the method of differential scanning calorimetry that the melting temperature of the PE-UHMW polymer practically does not change for all samples, regardless of the radiation dose. After electron beam treatment, the morphology of the surfaces of the PE-UHMW polymer is significantly improved, spherulites are formed at the micro level, which indicate the displacement of polymer molecules under the influence of irradiation. It was revealed that during electron beam treatment oxidation occurs as a result of chemical reactions of the polyethylene chain with oxygen O2. Significant changes in the mechanical properties of the PE-UHMW polymer were not observed after electron beam treatment. However, a significant decrease in the elongation from 300 % to 10 % as a result of radiation aging was observed after electron beam treatment.The hardness of the PE-UHMW polymer varies slightly in the studied mode of electron beam processing.

The results of experimental studies of changes in the structure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the AMG6 aluminum alloy during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) are presented in this work. The evolution of the fine structure and the formation of secondary phases in the AMG6 alloy during ECAP were studied. The dark-field image of the structure of the AMg6 alloy in the matrix reflex showed the splitting of the material into small disoriented fragments of about 0.5 μm in size with a small-angle disorientation boundary (about 2–5°). Optimal method and modes of ECAP of the AMG6 aluminum alloy were selected of the bases of experimental research, which make it possible to obtain a workpiece with enhanced tribological and mechanical characteristics. It was established that the most intensive grinding of the grain structure in the AMG6 alloy occurs at ECAP-12 at a channel angle intersection of 120°. It is shown that with a decrease in grain size, the microhardness of the alloy AMG6 after ECAP increases by 4 times, compared with the initial state.The results of the test samples for abrasive wear showed a decrease in mass loss after 12 passes of ECAP, which indicates an increase in the wear resistance of the alloy AMG6 by 13–14 %, compared with the initial state.

This article investigates the influence of thermal annealing on microhardness and wear resistance of the surface of steel U9/Y9 protected by a composite coating Ti 3 SiC 2 /TiC obtained by detonation sputtering. Thermal annealing was performed in the range of temperatures 700-900 ◦ C during 1 hour. Following annealing the formation of TiO 2 and an increase in the phase content of Ti 3 SiC 2 are observed. Higher microhardness was obtained in coatings subjected to annealing at 800 ◦ C, which can be explained by an increase in the content of carbonized titanium. As the annealing temperature rises further, the thickness of the oxide layer increases, leading to a decrease in the microhardness for the coatings annealed at 900 ◦ C. According to the results of tribological tests, formation of the oxide increases wear resistance of Ti 3 SiC 2 /TiC composite surface coatings.