The Effect of Plasma–Electrolytic Nitrocarburizing of a Medium Carbon Steel Surface on Friction and Wear in Pair with Tin–Lead Bronze

Abstract

The possibility of increasing the durability of steel pins working against bronze bushings through plasma–electrolytic nitrocarburizing of the surface of medium carbon steel is shown. The phase composition, microhardness, morphology, and surface roughness were studied. Tribological tests were carried out under dry friction conditions according to the shaft-pad scheme. It has been established that plasma–electrolytic nitrocarburizing of the surface of medium carbon steel at a temperature of 700 °C for 5 min leads to a decrease in the friction coefficient by 2.3 times, the weight wear of steel by 24.9 times, and the wear of the bronze counterbody by 5.9 times. At the same time, the contact stiffness increases by 2.6 times. Type of wear: wear with dry friction and plastic contact. The changes in tribological characteristics are associated with the high hardness of the hardened steel surface combined with the effect of dispersed nitrides and iron carbonitrides.