Structure and Properties of the AISI 304 Steel Surface Layers after Alloying with Boron and Me (Cr, Ni, Fe) by Electron Beam Treatment.

The structural transformations of the Cr-Ni austenitic steel surface layers during non-vacuum electron beam cladding of the amorphous boron and wetting agents (Cr, Ni, Fe) were investigated. Gas- and hydroabrasive wear resistance of the obtained materials was evaluated. It was shown that the modified layer almost completely consisting of the complex borides (Cr,Fe)хBy is formed during the cladding. The structure provides improving the wear resistance of the steel by 2-5 times. The thickness of the formed layers is 2.5-2.7 mm. The coating formed by beam current 23 mA with Fe as wetting agent has the best set of properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]