Micromechanical measurements of ion-beam treated steel

The paper presents recent methods of surface modification based on the use of ion-beam techniques: ion implantation and ion-beam mixing (IBM). The methodology of sample preparation, the advantages and drawbacks of the technology as well as the results of micromechanical tests (friction and wear measurements) performed on the ion-beam treated samples are presented. The results obtained on both, untreated and ion-beam mixed high-speed steel samples clearly show that in the first stage of the wear process the worn zone expands well above the sample surface. This growth is less pronounced in ion-beam mixed samples. Nuclear microprobe measurements revealed the redistribution of alloying elements in wear tracks. The friction coefficient and wear extent in ion-beam treated samples are reduced when compared with the untreated ones.