Abstract: A hardened slip and a method of making the hardened slip are disclosed. A method of hard surfacing a slip component for a downhole tool is disclosed. The slip component may have a bearing surface and may be composed of a base material, the base material being metallic. The method may comprise steps of positioning at least the bearing surface of the slip component with a direct contact with a boron source; bonding an external layer at least on the bearing surface to form a metallurgical bond between boron from the boron source with the base material by boriding the base material; and maintaining a bulk temperature of the slip component below a melting point of the base material.

Abstract: A dissolvable magnesium alloy can be used for components of a downhole tool. The dissolvable magnesium alloy can be dissolved completely and controlled at a dissolving rate so as to be compatible with downhole operations, including hydraulic fracturing operations. The alloy includes nickel at 0.04-0.4% by weight and the balance of magnesium. The alloy is dissolvable in KCl at 2.1% by weight and 95° C. with a dissolving rate in a range of 10-100 mg/cm2/hr, yield strength in a range of 18-37 ksi, ultimate tensile strength in a range of 29-47 ksi, and elongation in a range of 8-40%.