The effect of ion implantation on tribology and hot rolling contact fatigue of Cr4Mo4Ni4V bearing steel

The Cr4Mo4Ni4V bearing material was implanted by N + Zr dual element implantation process. The mechanical properties were investigated by nanohardness tests, friction and wear tests, as well as hot rolling contact fatigue life tests. The surface structures of the planted samples were studied by GXRD, AES, XPS and TEM tests. The results showed that the N + Zr implanted sample exhibits higher surface hardness, anti-friction and wear-resistance properties and resistance to hot contact fatigue. After implantation, amorphous phase, microcrystalline phase and new alloy phases are formed in implanted region. The new phases and structures take the important roles in improving the surface mechanical properties of the bearing material.