Surface modification and alloying of metallic materials with low-energy high-current electron beams

The paper presents a review of some new results of investigations on surface treatment of materials with pulsed (2–3 μs) low-energy (up to 10–40 keV), high-current (up to 30 kA, 1–40 J/cm2) electron beams (LEHCEB). Effect of pulsed melting on chemical and phase composition of the near-surface layers of a pre-quenched high-speed steel (HSS) as well as the wear resistance of cutting tools made of the HSS have been studied. The microstructural evolution and phase transformations occurring in the surface layers of hard alloys (WC–Co, WC-30% Hadfieldʹs steel), the surface hardening and the wear behavior are considered. Depth profiles of the elements in the surface alloys formed by pulsed melting of film-substrate systems are given. A new promising method for surface modification of dental alloys based on LEHCEB treatment is presented.