Effects of high temperature and cryogenic treatment on the microstructure and abrasion resistance of a high chromium cast iron

Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the microstructure, hardening and abrasion resistance behaviors of 16Cr1Mo1Cu cast iron subjected to destabilization treatment were investigated. The results show that the cryogenic treatment can effectively reduce the retained austenite after destabilization heat treatment, but cannot make retained austenite transform completely. Cryogenic treatment can markedly improve bulk hardness and abrasion resistance of the high chromium cast iron. In the course of destabilization treatment and then cryogenic treatment, the amount of precipitated secondary carbide, M23C6, was more than that in air cooling. The additional fine secondary carbide precipitated during the cryogenics treat after destabilization heat treatment comparing with air cooling, is the main reason for the increase of the bulk hardness and wear resistance.