EBSD Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Boroaluminized Diffusion Layers on Surface of L6 Steel after Pulsed Electron Beam Processing

The process of modifying of boron- and aluminum diffusion layers properties on the surface of 5KhNM die steel by pulsed electron beam processing using an electron source with a plasma cathode based on a low-pressure arc discharge is considered. It was shown, using optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction methods, that the increase in the mechanical properties (microhardness and wear resistance) of the boroaluminized layer after electron beam processing is associated with a grain refinement and a phase redistribution, during which a concentration of the solid phase Fe2B occurs on the surface of the layer. It was found that the maximum microhardness on the surface of 5KhNM steel increases from 800 to 1400 HV and wear resistance improves by two times after electron beam processing.