IDEA #2TV4XM Plasma Methods And Tools For Structural Materials' Surface Modification And Hardening

APPLIED RESEARCH • PLASMAPHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY PLASMA METHODS AND TOOLS FOR STRUCTURAL MATERIALS’’ SURFACE MODI(cid:2)(cid:2) FICATION AND HARDENING Description National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology” (NSC KIPT) proposes efficient method for surface modification. This method employs the impact of ultra(cid:2)short (10(cid:2)6 s) energetic plasma pulses onto metallic surface ensur(cid:2) ing effective diffusion of plasma ions into material depth (20(cid:2) 100 μm: nitriding, boronizing, alloying) accompanied by super(cid:2) fast quenching. Depending on plasma parameters, metal sur(cid:2) face can be modified into fine(cid:2)grained or quasi(cid:2)amorphous layer with tailored combination of physical(cid:2)chemical proper(cid:2) ties and essentially enhanced tribological characteristics. IInn particular,, the proposed method provides:: • Increment of surface micro(cid:2)hardness up to 4 times even for previously quenched steels; • 4(cid:2)10 times grows of wear resistance depending on type of steel; • Enhancement of corrosion and erosion characteristics (proved by cavitation tests in water). Relevant publications: 1. I.E. Garkusha et al., Vacuum, V. 58/2(cid:2)3, 2000, pp 195(cid:2)201 2. V.I. Tereshin et al. Vacuum, Vol 73/3(cid:2)4 ,2004, pp 555(cid:2)560 Innovative Aspect and Main Advantages The proposed method combines ultra(cid:2)fast quenching and alloying. Contrary to traditional nitriding techniques, and enables control over parameters (depth, amount of dopants and structure) of modified layers. Main advantages and features:: • High adhesion of modified layer with substrate. In fact, the problem of adhesion is completely absent because the modi(cid:2) fied layer is not a coating, but the base material. • Possibility of modification and mixing of previously deposit(cid:2) ed coatings • Formation of amorphous surface layer for multi(cid:2)component materials. • Applicability for processing of relatively large surfaces (up to 0.5 m2); • Low energy consumption (mainly, pumping system – 1(cid:2)2 кW); • Efficient plasma source (~50%); • Preliminary treatment of surface is not required; • Method is environmentally appropriate and technologically feasible; Areas ooff Application Hardening of working surfaces of cutting tools dies for cold and hot pressing, moulds, etc. as well as for sites of machines, engines, compressors, hydraulic drives, hydraulics, aviation and automobile technique. Practical implementation of the developed method will allow: • Essential increase in operation life of elements in condi(cid:2) tions of dry friction; • Possibility of replacement of expensive alloyed steels in dif(cid:2) ferent mechanisms by cheaper ones, but with necessary phys(cid:2) ical properties. • Healing of defects (microcracks, voids, scratches) in the surface layer 38 Fig.1 Laboratory plant for pulsed plasma process(cid:2) ing, developed at PP NSC KIPT. Fig. 2 Cross section of processed steel. Modified surface layer, which is resistant to etching, is shown in white color. Stage ooff Development Method is laboratory tested and mastered. Laboratory plant equipped with lock chamber for parts carrying(cid:2)in is available for performing of plasma processing of goods and samples. Additionally the Institute of Plasma Physics of the NSC KIPT provides services on the development of technologies for modification and hardening of different materials to mach customers specific requirements. NSC KIPT may perform development, manufacture, delivery of plasma devices and equipment, adapted to specific tasks. Contact Details Contact person: Dr. I. Garkusha National Science Center “ Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology” Address: Akademicheskaya str.1, 61108, Kharkov Ukraine Теl: +(380)(cid:2)57(cid:2)3356122, Fax +(380)(cid:2)57(cid:2)3352664 E(cid:2)mail: garkusha@ipp.kharkov.ua Web(cid:2)site: www.kipt.kharkov.ua