Influence of irradiation number of high current pulsed electron beam on the structure and properties of M50 steel

The influence of high current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation numbers on the microstructure, wear and corrosion resistance properties of M50 steel was studied. The crystallize phase, surface morphology, hardness, oxidation wear and corrosion resistance of samples were analyzed using XRD, SEM, nanoindenter, wear tester and electrochemical corrosion tests. The results reveal that the hardness and wear resistance of irradiated samples decrease compared with untreated sample because of the increasing of austenite content in the melted layer; while the corrosion resistance of irradiated samples is higher than untreated sample.