Surface Modification of Medium Carbon Steel by Using Electrolytic Plasma Thermocyclic Treatment

Abstract

In this work, using the electrolytic plasma thermocyclic treatment technique (EPTT), surface modification of medium carbon steel was carried out. The EPTT system was set as industrial scale. Na2CO3 was used as electrolyte in water. Various voltage and ampere values were performed to obtain good surface properties. Moreover, different impulse ratio and cooling rates were performed. Metallographic studies were carried out with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to study the hardened and modified surfaces. Also microhardness and Rockwell hardness tests were performed. The reliable microstructure and hardness values were obtained on the surface of steel samples.