Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on the Properties of Low Carbon A858 Steel

Abstract

This study is concerned with the effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) at liquid nitrogen temperature (-196 oC) on the mechanical properties and performance of low carbon steel (A858).The tests specimens were divided in to two groups, the first group was subjected to the conventional heat treatment of normalizing, and the second group was also normalized then subjected to (DCT).The results have shown that after (DCT), the Hardness, Tensile properties and the impact energy absorbed were all slightly increased. However the fatigue test showed some positive improvement in fatigue limit by 20(N/mm2), and the volume wear rates at different loads were significantly decreased after (DCT). The changes in microstructure due to (DCT) were clearly noticeable, the grain boundaries were no longer visible, and the Pearlite isles globalization was obvious.