Effect of combined laser shock peening and nitrogen implantation on the microstructure and tribology of M50 bearing steel

The M50 bearing steel underwent a combined treatment of laser shock peening (LSP) and nitrogen ion implantation. The microstructure, surface mechanical properties and tribological behaviors were evaluated. Comparative analysis with the untreated sample revealed significant improvements in surface nano-hardness, increasing from 7.51 GPa to 11.35 GPa, 11.51 GPa, and 12.62 GPa for samples subjected to LSP, ion implantation, and combined strengthening, respectively. Correspondingly, surface compressive residual stress showed notable increases from −15.55 MPa to −1043.76 MPa, −451.34 MPa, and −1276.13 MPa, respectively. The improved surface mechanical properties observed in the combined strengthened sample are likely due to the synergistic effects of the combined strengthening. In friction tests, the combined strengthened sample exhibited the lowest friction coefficient, attributed to the presence of a metal nitride layer and a thicker amorphous layer. Wear mechanisms transitioned from fatigue spalling for the untreated specimen to slight wear and the formation of an oxidative adhesion layer after LSP and ion implantation. Remarkably, the surface of the combined strengthened specimen demonstrated minimal wear, with only an oxidative adhesion layer present.