Impact of Electronic Radiation on the Morphology of the Fine Structure of the Surface Layer of R6M5 Steel

In recent decades, great efforts have been made to significantly improve the performance characteristics of high-speed steel using various surface hardening techniques. Electron beam modification is engaging because it has an exceptionally high thermal efficiency and can significantly improve steels’ physical and mechanical properties. This work is devoted to researching the fine structure and changing the structural phase state of the surface layer of R6M5 high-speed steel after exposure to an electron beam. Electron beam treatment of steel R6M5 was carried out on a vacuum installation. The structure and phase composition of P6M5 steel samples were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Determined that after electron irradiation, the steel structure as in the initial state consists of martensite, carbides and residual austenite. After electron irradiation, an increase in the volume fraction of lamellar martensite is observed: the fraction of lamellar martensite in the initial state is 80%, and after irradiation, it is ~90% of the total fraction of α′-martensite. The action of the electron beam led to an increase in internal stresses in α′-martensite. Revealed, the value of the scalar dislocation density in R6M5 steel after exposure to an electron beam is higher than in the initial state. A cardinal difference in the state of the material after exposure to an electron beam is the presence of bending extinction contours in all M6C carbide particles.