In this study, a surface hardening of AISI 52100 bearing steel was performed by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), and electrolytic-plasma thermo-cyclic surface modification (EPSM), and their effects on the wear resistance were investigated. To evaluate the impact of these treatments on the wear resistance, the friction tests under dry conditions were conducted using a ball-on-disk tribometer in accordance with ASTM G99. The microstructure of the samples before and after treatment was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The micro-hardness with respect to the depth from the top surface was measured using a Vickers micro-hardness tester. Microstructural observations showed that EPSM treatment led to the formation of residual austenite in the surface layer, while UNSM treatment led to the formation of a surface severe plastic deformation layer on the surface of the samples. The increase in the micro-hardness of the treated layer was confirmed after UNSM at room temperature and after EPSM at different cycles. The highest increase in wear resistance was observed for the specimen treated by UNSM treatment at 700 °C and five cycles of EPSM treatment. In addition, the wear volume, which has correlation with the friction coefficient and hardness, was determined.

This article analyzes the effect of electrolytic plasma nitriding on the performance of medium-carbon steel 45 under increased mechanical loads and in aggressive environments. Nitrided samples in carbamide electrolytes, both with and without the addition of ammonium nitrate, were compared to the initial material. SEM with EDX and XRD analysis was used to examine the microstructure and phase composition of nitrided samples. Wear resistance was studied using the ‘ball-on-disk’ method and Vickers microhardness testing, while corrosion resistance was studied using potentiodynamic polarization curves. The study results show that the sample without ammonium nitrate demonstrated better mechanical and corrosion properties due to a more homogeneous and denser nitride layer, approximately 10 µm thick, containing phases FeN and Fe₄N. Its wear resistance doubled compared to that of the initial sample. The sample treated in an electrolyte with the addition of ammonium nitrate demonstrated a higher current density (2.8672 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm²) and a lower corrosion potential (−0.565 V) compared to the initial sample (i_corr = 1.8971 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm², E_corr = −0.480 V) and the sample without ammonium nitrate (i_corr = 1.7315 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm², E_corr = −0.376 V). This is due to the formation of an uneven nitride layer and the presence of microcracks on the surface.

Samples using powders of four different fractions, 15–20 μm, 20–30 μm, 30–40 μm and 40–45 μm, were fabricated to investigate the wear resistance, corrosion resistance and tribological properties of the 86WC-10Co-4Cr coating obtained using the HVOF method. The phase composition, microstructure and elemental distribution were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The hardness was measured on a Vickers microhardness tester, the friction coefficient and wear rate were investigated using a tribometer, and the corrosion resistance was evaluated on an electrochemical corrosion station. The results showed that the cross-sectional microstructure of the coating is mainly represented by multifaceted WC crystals embedded in the Co-Cr matrix and the presence of lower tungsten carbides, particularly W₂C. The 15–20 μm fraction particles were subjected to superheating, contributing to the decarburization process. The 20–30 µm and 30–40 µm sized particles prevented overheating and had a more homogeneous structure. The 40–45 µm powder fractions did not reach sufficient temperature for complete melting, resulting in the formation of pores in the coating layers. The phase composition of the coatings included WC, W₂C and CoO phases. According to the results of the study, it was found that the optimal powder fraction for coating the 86WC-10Co-4Cr composition with improved characteristics is the fraction of the 20–30 µm sized particles.

Ceramic oxide coatings were fabricated on 7075 aluminum alloy via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in a silicate-phosphate electrolyte under voltages of 250 V, 300 V, and 350 V for 600 s. The effect of the applied voltage on the surface morphology, microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, roughness, coating thickness, and corrosion resistance was systematically studied. The coating obtained at 300 V demonstrated a dense structure with relatively low surface roughness (2.3 μm) and a thickness of approximately 70 μm. This sample also exhibited the most balanced performance, combining relatively high microhardness (~422 HV) and the lowest corrosion current density (6.1 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm²) in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the presence of both γ- and α-Al₂O₃ phases in all coated samples, with a relative increase in α-phase intensity observed at an intermediate voltage. The results demonstrate that the applied voltage plays a critical role in determining the coating structure and performance, offering insights into the surface treatment of high-strength aluminum alloys for engineering applications.