Fine structure of low-carbon steel after electrolytic plasma treatment

Abstract This work shows the results of research of the fine and dislocation structure of the transition layer of 18CrNi3Mo low-carbon steel after the influence of electrolytic plasma. Conducted research has shown that the modified steel layer, as a result of carbonitriding, was multiphase. Quantitative estimates were made for carbonitride М23(С,N)6 in various morphological components of α-martensite and on average by material in the transition layer of nitro-cemented steel. It was established that α-phase is tempered martensite after nitrocementation. Released martensite is represented by batch, or lath and lamellar low-temperature and high-temperature martensite. Inside the tempered martensitic crystals, lamellar cementite precipitates are simultaneously present, and residual austenite is found along the boundaries of the martensitic rails and plates of low-temperature martensite. It was determined that inside the crystals of all morphological components of α-martensite there are particles of carbonitride М23(С,N)6.