Investigation of The Effects of Shallow Cryogenic Treatment on The Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of 1.2436 Tool Steel

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of shallow cryogenic treatment on the microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of 1.2436 steel. For this purpose, quenched (QT) 1.2436 steel samples were subjected to shallow cryogenic treatment at -80 °C for 12 hours (SCT12) and 18 hours (SCT18). Hardness measurement and wear test were carried out on the samples and the samples were examined microstructurally. As a result of the study, it was observed that the cryogenic treatment provided a denser and homogeneous carbide distribution in the microstructure of 1.2436 steel. The amount of carbide in the microstructure increased by 18.80% with shallow cryogenic treatment for 18 hours. As a result of the hardness and wear tests, it was determined that the cryogenic treatment positively affected the hardness and wear resistance of 1.2436 steel. Compared to the quenched sample alone, the sample cryogenically treated for 18 hours exhibited 9.28% higher hardness and 34.37% less wear.