Effect of cryogenic treatment on microstructure, mechanical and wear behaviors of AISI H13 hot work tool steel

This paper focuses on the effects of low temperature (subzero) treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of H13 hot work tool steel. Cryogenic treatment at −72 °C and deep cryogenic treatment at −196 °C were applied and it was found that by applying the subzero treatments, the retained austenite was transformed to martensite. As the temperature was decreased more retained austenite was transformed to martensite and it also led to smaller and more uniform martensite laths distributed in the microstructure. The deep cryogenic treatment also resulted in precipitation of more uniform and very fine carbide particles. The microstructural modification resulted in a significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the H13 tool steel.

Research highlights
► After subzero treatment, the retained austenite was transformed to martensite.
► Subzero treatment also led to smaller and more uniform martensite distribution.
► Microstructural modification resulted in improvement of the mechanical properties.