Phase and Structural Transformations in Tool Hard Alloys During Plasma Surface Nanostructuring

As a result of metallographic and X-ray structural studies, it was established that after plasma treatment of hard tool alloys, a modified layer is formed, which differs significantly in structure and properties from the original material. The highest values of alloy hardness are provided by their plasma nanostructuring. This is due to the melting and crushing of the original carbide grains, saturation of the binder with tungsten and, as a consequence, its dispersion hardening with the release of nanodispersed secondary carbides, as well as an increase in the adhesive bond of the carbide and binder phases.