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This study presents a laser-assisted surface modification method enabling in-situ carburization of medium-carbon steel in hydrocarbon oil. Sub-nanosecond pulses generate transient high-temperature zones, with the oil acting as both carbon source and quencher. XRD shows a weak broad peak at ~41.4° assignable to Fe 3 C/Fe 5 C 2 , consistent with TEM observation of a 50–200 nm amorphous carbide layer. The process maintains surface smoothness (Ra < 0.10 µm), nearly doubles hardness, and yields extended low-friction lifetimes in oil as well as reduced friction in dry sliding. Raman analysis further indicated that the amorphous Fe–C layer contains minor carbonaceous species which evolve into a carbon-rich tribofilm during sliding, supporting the intrinsic lubricity of the amorphous phase.
Liu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.