Improving the Quality Parameters of Steel Surfaces by Combined Electrospark Carburizing Technologies. Pt. 1. Properties of Metal Surfaces
TARELNYK V.B.$^{1}$, HAPONOVA O.P.$^{2,3}$, TARELNYK N.V.$^{1}$, KONOPLIANCHENKO Ie.V.$^{1}$, MIKULINA M. A.$^{1}$, and POSTOLATII V.V.$^{1}$
$^1$Sumy National Agrarian University, 160 Herasyma Kondratieva St., UA-40021 Sumy, Ukraine
$^2$Sumy State University, 116 Kharkivska St., UA-40007 Sumy, Ukraine
$^3$Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5В Pawińskiego, 02-016 Warsaw, Poland
Received / final version: 02.01.2026 / 03.06.2026
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Abstract
The relevance of this study is determined by the growing requirements for the reliability and durability of machine parts operating under conditions of intensive mechanical loads, elevated temperatures, and exposure to corrosive environments. Modern energy-efficient and environmentally safe surface-hardening technologies, in particular, electrospark alloying (ESA), provide wide opportunities for targeted modification of the structure and properties of surface layers without changing the geometric parameters of products. This paper aims to analyse combined electrospark technologies for forming functional coatings and substantiate methods for improving the ESA process using carbon-containing pastes (special technological environment—STE) and nanostructuring surface layers by adding carbon nanotubes to their composition. The paper presents the results of investigations of the structural–phase composition and service properties of coatings obtained using improved ESA technologies. The methods of electrospark carburizing, ESA with hard wear-resistant and soft antifriction metals, the formation of combined multilayer coatings, as well as hybrid technologies combining ESA with subsequent surface plastic deformation (SPD), are considered. Microstructural, tribological, and mechanical tests are carried out along with an analysis of the stress–strain state of surface layers. The obtained results show that electrospark carburizing provides an abnormally high diffusion of carbon and the formation of nonequilibrium fine-grained structures with hardness up to 72 HRC. The combination of ESA using a graphite electrode followed by SPD makes it possible to reduce surface roughness to Ra = 0.1–1.5 µm, increase wear resistance and adhesion strength of the coatings, and control the level of residual stresses. The use of STE containing carbon nanotubes promotes the formation of nanostructured coatings with increased microhardness and corrosion resistance. The practical application of the obtained results consists of the implementation of combined electrospark technologies for strengthening and restoring machine parts, in particular, components of pumps, seals, and bearing units that ensures increased reliability and durability.
Keywords: electrospark alloying, electrospark carburizing, combined coatings, microstructure, durability of machine parts.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/ufm.27.02.***
Citation: V.B. Tarelnyk, O.P. Haponova, N.V. Tarelnyk, Ie.V. Konoplianchenko, M. A. Mikulina, and V.V. Postolatii, Improving the Quality Parameters of Steel Surfaces by Combined Electrospark Carburizing Technologies. Pt. 1. Properties of Metal Surfaces, Progress in Physics of Metals, 27, No. 2: ***–*** (2026)