Synthesis of Carbide Phases in Surface Metal Layers Under Electrospark Alloying with Graphite and Transition Metals in Groups IV–VI

Abstract

The paper examines the electrospark synthesis of carbide phases in the surface layers of some steels (structural and tool) and titanium using graphite and transition metal electrodes: Ti, Cr, Mo, and W. Various options for processing with compact electrodes and powders of these materials were used. The electrospark alloying (ESA) of metal surfaces relies on the phenomenon of polar transfer of the anode tool material to the cathode when pulse discharges flow in a gaseous medium. The specific ESA features include high adhesion of the deposited material to the substrate, lack of heating to the part during processing, and use of pure metals and alloys as processing materials. The electrospark alloying process is very simple, and the required equipment is small, reliable, and transportable.