The paper presents the results of a study on plasma electrolytic surface treatment of St-20 structural steel using a low-pressure jet radiofrequency (RF) discharge. The characteristics of the formation and burning pattern of RF discharge between the electrolyte jet and the treated surface were examined, and its main electrophysical parameters were determined. A comprehensive analysis of the condition of the material before and after treatment was conducted: surface morphology was studied using microscopy methods, wettability was assessed based on the contact angle, and corrosion resistance tests were performed. The obtained results showed that plasma electrolytic treatment provides a controlled change in the surface microrelief, which is accompanied by variations in the mechanical and performance properties of the surface.
Kayumov et al. (Wed,) studied this question.