Title: Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the mechanical properties of AISI D3 tool steel

Authors: Satish Kumar; Mohan Nagaraj; Arunkumar Bongale; Nitin K. Khedkar

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: The research paper presents a study on deep cryogenic treatment and its effects on mechanical properties of AISI D3 grade high carbon steels. Commercially available AISI D3 steel was subjected to deep cryogenic treatment for soaking durations of 12 hours, 24 hours and 36 hours using a cryogenic refrigerator at −196°C and then followed by tempering for 2 hours at a constant temperature of 150°C. Thus prepared samples were tested as per ASTM standards to evaluate their mechanical properties such as microhardness, impact and tensile properties. Further, to understand the effect of deep cryogenic treatment, the fractured surfaces were subjected to scanning electron microscopic examinations. X-ray diffraction analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis were also conducted to investigate the changes in structure of the material after deep cryogenic treatment. Results indicate that 12 hours soaking time during cryogenic treatment will give optimum mechanical properties compared to 24 and 36 hours. Also, reduction in mechanical properties by 4-6% was observed for 24 and 36 hours cryogenic treated samples compared to 12 hours treated samples.

Keywords: deep cryogenic treatment; D3 tool steel; microhardness; tensile test; impact strength fracture surface.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2019.099789

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2019 Vol.10 No.2, pp.98 - 113

Received: 04 Jun 2018
Accepted: 17 Jul 2018
Published online: 22 May 2019 *

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