Effects of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Medium Carbon Spring Steels

Abstract

The cryogenic treatment is a method frequently used in the development of the wear resistance of alloy steels due to the increase in their hardness driven by the mechanisms such as the conversion of retained austenite to martensite and the formation of secondary carbides. In recent studies, it has been reported that besides the hardening mechanisms, the cryogenic treatment can also improve the mechanical properties of the alloys by reducing the residual stresses and modifying the microstructure. This research aims to investigate the impact of deep cryogenic process (-196°C) on the microstructures of medium carbon spring steels contain various alloying elements. The conventional heat treatment (CHT) and the deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) procedures were applied to the spring steels which have various alloying elements. Hardness, tensile and notch toughness tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties. Consequently, the aim is to determine the applicability of the cryogenic treatment in the improvement of the mechanical properties of medium carbon spring steels.

Keywords

• Steels
• Cryogenic Treatment
• Mechanical Properties
• Alloying

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