Title: Characterisation of microstructure and mechanical properties of differently cryogenically treated hot die steel AISI-H11

Authors: Sanjeev Katoch; Vishal Singh; Rakesh Sehgal

Addresses: Centre for Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur-177005, Himachal Pradesh, India; Institute for Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology, A-9, Phase V, Focal Point, Ludhiana 141010, Punjab, India ' Centre for Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur 177005, Himachal Pradesh, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur 177005, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract: The effects of cryogenic treatment on AISI H11 steel are examined in this study. Cryogenic treatment has been performed at temperature −154ºC to vacuum heat treated and one time tempered samples for a various soak period. Afterward, samples tempered at 600ºC for two hours. This investigation includes microstructure characterisation and mechanical properties measurement to understand the influence of various soak periods at cryogenic temperature. Samples cryogenically treated for soak duration of 36 hours and tempered at 600ºC for two hours shows higher toughness, whereas samples cryogenically treated for soak duration of 21 hours and tempered at 600ºC for two hours shows higher hardness in comparison to vacuum hardened and three-time tempered samples. Secondly, the field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques were utilised for confirmation of morphology of microstructure, various phases, and morphology of fractured surfaces, respectively.

Keywords: cryogenics treatment; hot dies steel; vacuum heat treatment; mechanical properties; martensite.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2016.084636

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2016 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.285 - 303

Received: 17 Nov 2016
Accepted: 09 Jan 2017
Published online: 19 Jun 2017 *

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