Nb-C-N-Fe surface layers synthesis in high speed steel by compression plasma impact

Abstract

High energy particle beams such as laser, electron, ion, and laser beams are widely used to modify properties of different materials. The effect of such flows in a mode with melting on heterogeneous systems containing the structure which ensureы certain properties of such systems leads to, as a rule, to dissolution of functional structures and deterioration of the system properties. Thus, a high energy impact on high speed steels results in structure homogenization, namely, dissolving of Fe3W 3C type carbides /1-3/ and softening of the surface layer. In spite of surface properties worsening such treatment can be used as high temperature quenching. Subsequent annealing allows recovering the structure and obtaining more homogeneous distribution of hardening carbides /3/ than carbide distribution formed by traditional thermal treatment, thus preventing microchipping cutting tools made from high speed steel.