comprehensive analysis on the effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the mechanical behaviour of martensitic valve steel

The behaviour of the cryogenically treated en52 martensitic valve steel was experimentally analyzed in this paper. the samples were subjected to deep cryogenic treatment after completing the regular heat treatment. the critical properties of the valve steel like wear resistance, hardness, tensile strength and impact strength were evaluated for the cryo treated en52 valve steel samples as per the astm standards. the microstructural changes and the mechanism behind the enhancement of the properties are examined and reported. the precipitation of fine carbides, transformation of retained austenite and refinement of carbides were the reasons behind the improvement of the mechanical properties. deep cryogenic treatment process parameters were optimized for better wear resistance, hardness and tensile strength using grey taguchi technique. deep cryogenic treatment process greatly influenced the wear resistance, a maximum enhancement of 54% was observed.