TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ION-IMPLANTED HIGH-CHROMIUM STEEL

Changes in the hardness, friction coefficient, and behavior of the ele ment and phase compositions of ion-implanted high-Cr stamp steel X12M have been investigated. The optimization of the implanted ion (Ti, Ta, W, C or Nb) and irradiation dose (10(16)-10(17) ion cm-2) has been co nducted. The irradiation by Ti, C and Nb ions gave good results in cha nging the surface mechanical properties during the implantation of Ti, Ta W, C and Nb ions (E = 18 keV, D = 7 x 10(15) ion cm-2). The fricti on coefficient decreased by 1.6, 4 and 2 times respectively. The impla ntation by Nb ions (E = 18 keV, D = 10(16)-10(17) ion CM-2) led to an increase in microhardness by 1.6 times and to a decrease in friction c oefficient by 5 times at an irradiation dose of 7 x 10(16) ion cm-2. A change in the Cr7C3 phase volume fraction was the main cause of the c hanges in the microhardness and friction coefficient.