Formation of a Protective Layer Based on Chromium Boride on the Surface of Kh12MF Steel Using Electron-Beam Treatment

The preparation of coating layers containing the borides Cr2B, Cr2B3, and FeB on Kh12MF steel using the electron-beam treatment of reacting coatings made of Cr2O3, amorphous boron, and carbon is considered. The influence of the treatment time on the structure, composition, and microhardness of the layers is investigated. The maximum microhardness of the layers is ~18.5 GPa. The studies allow one to conclude that electron-beam treatment can be used to strengthen cutting and other tools, which experience high temperature heating during operation, without a significant reduction in performance. It is known that, along with high hardness and wear resistance, boride layers also have a significant disadvantage: increased brittleness. The studies carried out show that the use of electronic heating allows a reduction in brittleness and increase in plasticity of the alloys. The layers after electron-beam boriding have a heterogeneous structure combining hard (brittle) and more plastic structural components.