As a result of plasma-electrolytic nitrocarburizing 30CrMnSiA carbon steel (ferrite-perlite
grade), there was a change in the elemental and phase composition, as well as the surface layer microstructure (40 ÷ 45 microns thick from the surface). A formation of Me23(CN)6
carbonitrides, FeN nitrides, Fe3C - (Fe, Cr)3C carbides and an increase in dislocation density
within –phase (tempered martensite crystallites), high-temperature lamellar martensite
were observed. As a result of PEN / C exposure for 7min. At 750 ◦C there is a reduction of
friction coefficient and wear rate, what is connected with finely dispersed secondary phases
FeN, (Fe, Cr)3C, Me23(C, N)6 formation. Thus, there is an 2,5 ÷ 3,3 times increase in hardness
of 30CrMnSiA carbon steel samples
