High frequency quenching and cemented quenching are usually used to improve the wear resistance of the mechanism components

such as the transmission and kinematic parts

of the high voltage switchgear.Galvanization is then conducted to raise the corrosion resistance of those components. However

the galvanized layer is worn down quickly during operation due to its low wear resistance

leading to poor corrosion protection and even damage of the switchgear. In this study

several steels commonly used for the components of high voltage switchgears were treated by the QPQ composite nitrification and oxidation process in salt bath. The microstructures and the hardness of the nitride layers

as well as the corrosion resistance

were investigated. The results show that both wear and corrosion resistances of the QPQ treated components are improved.