Effect of Chromium on the Structure and Properties of Boride Diffusion Coatings

We have studied the effect of the chromium concentration in an impregnating borochromating powder mixture on the change in the lattice parameters of the rhombic FeB phase of boride coatings on carbon steels, their microhardness, and the BK^sub α^ energy spectra. An increase in the microhardness of the boride phases for chromium concentration 3.5-6 mass% in powder boron-impregnating mixtures is accompanied by a decrease in the FeB lattice parameters. Interpretation of the BK^sub α^ spectra has allowed us to establish that this fact is due to an increase in the covalent component of the Fesd -- Bp bond.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]