Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on property of 3Cr13Mo1V1.5 high chromium cast iron

Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the microstructure, hardening behavior and abrasion resistance of 3Cr13MolV1.5 high chromium cast iron subjected to sub-critical treatment were investigated in this paper. The results show that deep cryogenic treatment after sub-critical treatment, the hardness and abrasion resistance of high chromium cast iron can be boosted obviously due to abundant retained austenite transforming into martensite and secondary carbides precipitation. In the course of sub-critical treatment with cryogenic treatment, the amount of precipitated secondary carbides was more than that in air cooling, and the secondary hardening peak advanced at a lower temperature. When abrasion resistance reach the maximal, there was about 20%, retained austenite in microstructures. Cryogenic treatment can further reduce the austenite content but can not make retained austenite transform to martensite completely. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.