Study of the Influence of Low-temperature Nitrocarburizing on the Wear Rate of Sintered Low-alloy Powder Steels

Abstract

The article studies the influence of low-temperature nitrocarburization on the microhardness and wear resistance of sintered alloys obtained from high-performance steel powders “ECOsintC” and “ECOsintHighCrA”. Nitrocarburization is carried out in laboratory conditions using the “Carbonit” method at 560°C for 30 and 60 min. XRD analysis was performed to identify phases in the surface layer, while tribological tests following the “block-on-ring” method with an abrasive corundum disc assessed wear resistance. The results indicate that low-temperature nitrocarburization significantly enhances the microhardness and wear resistance of sintered alloys, highlighting a synergistic effect between alloy composition and surface thermochemical treatment.