Strengthening of the RAFMS RUSFER – EK181 through nanostructuring surface layers

The special features of plastic deformation as well as mechanical properties of strengthened RAFMS RUSFER – EK181 high-alloy steel were studied. Surface nanostructuring through ultrasonic impact treatment increases strength properties of the reduced activated ferritic–martensitic steel RUSFER – EK181. A nanostructure within the surface layers of the specimens was formed. Using scanning tunnelling microscope reveals a new mechanism of mesoscale-level plastic deformation of nanostructured surface layers as doubled spirals of extruded material mesobands. A linear dependence of their sizes on strain as well as thickness of strengthened layer was obtained.