Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of rare earth elements on the kinetic process, microstructure and mechanical properties of vanadization in borax bath. The results show that addition of rare earth elements to vanadizing agent has obvious catalytic effect on the rate of vanadization, which has been enchanced by 30%. The wear and corrosion resistance of vanadium carbide layer were prompted by the addition of rare earth to the agent. Through increasing vanadium potential of the agent, activating the surface of workpieces and decreasing the activation energy of diffusion of carbon, rare earth elements accelerate the rate of vanadization process.

Key words: rare earth elements, vanadization in borax bath, activation energy of diffusion