Modification of Structure and Properties of Surface Layer of Grey Cast Iron under High Energy Electron Beam

The effect of high energy electron beam irradiation on the crystalline structure and mechanical properties of the surface layer of grey cast iron has been investigated by light and electron microscopy, X-ray analysis as well as microhardness measurements. The electron irradiation leads to the formation of modulated structure of the surface layer, which provides the combination of the high hardness level and the high wear resistance. These properties are caused by the high density of the structural defects in austenite phase, the formation of the high number of dispersed carbides and the existence of a set of phases from ledeburite till sorbite with high level of hardness.