Effect of boronizing on the dry sliding wear behavior of DC53/0.45 mass% C steel pairs

► The effect of boride layer on subsurface structure evolvement was investigated. ► Two layers were formed beneath the worn surface of pin sample for UBD tribopair. ► Three layers were formed beneath the worn surface of pin sample for BD tribopair. ► The ultra-fined grains were due to joint action of friction heat and deformation.