INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DEEP CRYOGENIC TREATMENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE, HARDNESS, STRENGTH AND WEAR RESISTANCE OF X17CrNi16-2 MARTENSITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, and wear resistance of X17CrNi16-2 martensitic stainless steel. Steel samples were applied to deep cryogenic treatment at [Formula: see text]C for 12, 18 and 36[Formula: see text]h after conventional heat treatment. After these processes, the steel samples were examined microstructurally, and martensite structure and carbides were observed. Mechanical properties increased after the cryogenic treatment was applied at all soaking times. It has been observed that the cryogenic treatment soaking time is directly proportional to the improvement in mechanical properties. The highest mechanical properties were obtained after the cryogenic treatment was applied for 36[Formula: see text]h, which is the longest soaking time. Compared to the CHT sample, the DCT36 sample has a higher microhardness, tensile strength and yield strength of approximately 5.87%, 1.87% and 8.17%, respectively, and has 88% less wear rate.