Rapid synthesis of ultra-wear-resistant nanocrystallite stainless steel via electron beam direct irradiation

Surface nanocrystallization is a highly effective approach for enhancing the surface wear resistance of stainless steel. However, the attainment of fast nanocrystallization on stainless steel surfaces remains a significant obstacle. Thus, a novel form for high-voltage electron beam radiation with a rapid response time of 50 ms is proposed to break through this bottleneck. The results revealed the presence of significant quantities of nanocrystals and an amorphous structure in the modified layer of stainless-steel surfaces. A large number of dislocation lines resulted in an interplane distance increase in the (110) planes of Fe-Cr. In addition, the dislocation walls can inhibit the growth of the crystal, contributing to a remarkable enhancement in their surface wear resistance. Significantly, the wear volume of the modified layer decreased from 0.0124 mm3 to 0.0013 mm3, a remarkable reduction of 90 % compared to the initial state due to surface nanocrystallization, dispersion strengthening, and dislocation walls. This study provides novel concepts for the production of surface nanocrystals in ultra-wear-resistant stainless steel. [Display omitted] •A novel form for high-voltage electron beam radiation with a rapid response time of 50 ms•Stainless steel with ultra-wear-resistant was fabricated by EB irradiation.•The process of nanograins generation and the underlying mechanism of strengthening have been elucidated.•Rapid fabrication via EB irradiation advances the wear resistance to 9.5 times higher than that of matrix