Electron-Beam Modification of Boride Diffusion Layers on the Surface of 45- and U10-Grade Steels

The study presents the results of the surface hardening of 45- and U10-grade steel samples through complex saturation with boron and copper, followed by electron-beam treatment using a plasma-cathode source. This approach aims to enhance several physical and mechanical properties of boride layers, particularly their plasticity and wear resistance. A comparative analysis is conducted on the structure of the diffusion layer after borocoppering and subsequent modification of this layer by electron-beam treatment. The morphology of the diffusion layer is examined, and its microhardness, elemental composition, and phase composition are investigated. The plasticity of the resulting diffusion layers is evaluated both before and after electron-beam treatment.