Optimization of the duration of cryogenic processing to maximize wear resistance of AISI D2 steel Original Research Article

The wear properties, hardness values and the microstructural characteristics of AISI D2 steel cryotreated at 77 K for different soaking durations (0–132 h) have been examined to find out the optimized soaking time in cryogenic processing for maximization of its wear resistance. Examination of the structure–property relations of differently treated specimens indicates that the best wear resistance is obtained for specimens cryogenically processed for 36 h. This result has been substantiated using the nature of the associated variations of different microstructural features, hardness values, topography of worn surfaces and characteristics of wear debris.