Improvement of the corrosion and tribological properties of CSS-42L aerospace bearing steel using carbon ion implantation

•The corrosion and tribological properties of an aerospace bearing steel CSS-42L was investigated.•Carbon ion implantation was conducted and an amorphous layer formed at the near surface of CSS-42L steel.•The enhanced Cr diffusion and the decreased free electrons are contributed to the improvement of corrosion properties.•The external hard layer has positive effect on the wear resistance.