Evaluation of tribotechnical properties of modified surfaces after plasma electrolytic treatment

Abstract

The article considers the study of the effect of plasma electrolytic processing on the tribotechnical characteristics of medium-carbon steel. Friction tests were carried out in dry friction mode. Electron microscope and profilometer were used to study the friction tracks. For a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the modified surface layer, the Kragelsky-Kombalov complex parameter was calculated. It was found that plasma electrolytic treatment leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction and weight wear in comparison with hardened and untreated steel. It has been determined that the mechanism of wear of samples after plasma electrolytic treatment is fatigue wear at boundary friction and plastic contact.