Influence of electric spark alloying parameters on the hardness and wear resistance of the metallic surface

1. For the electrode materials investigated, the optimum power of electrical discharge is between 2 and 3 J, the optimum specific process duration being 1 sec/mm2. 2. The highest abrasive wear resistance is exhibited by surfaces alloyed with titanium and zirconium diborides, as well as with chromium, titanium, and boron carbides. 3. The alloying of the steel surface with titanium carbide in a nitrogen atmosphere raises the surface microhardness by 20–25% above that secured by alloying in air.