Microstructures and properties of electrical discharge strengthened layers on 65Mn steel

Here, we reported the successful surface modification with silicon electrode via electrical discharging. During the modification procedure, metallurgy reaction occurred between silicon electrode and workpiece materials, in which kerosene was discomposed and a strengthened layer was obtained on the surface of workpiece materials. The influence of processing parameters on the modified layer was also investigated. Our experimental results elucidated that an amorphous nano-crystalline alloy layer can be fabricated on the surface of 65Mn steel (ASTM:1566) in a controllable way. By forming a strengthened nano-layer, the hardness of 65Mn steel as well as the wear and corrosion resistance was obviously enhanced. In addition, a homogenous strengthened nano-layer can be formed by utilizing ultrasonic vibration of silicon electrode.