Effect of cryogenic treatment on the matrix structure and abrasion resistance of white cast iron subjected to destabilization treatment

Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the matrix structure and abrasion resistance of high chromium cast iron subjected to destabilization heat treatment has been investigated in this paper. The results show that, during the cryogenic treatment, the secondary carbides precipitate in austenite, which promote the transformation of retained austenite to martensite. The cryogenic treated alloys produced superior hardness and wear resistance (P) to the alloys without cryogenic treatment. When the bulk hardness and wear resistance (P) reach the maximum, there is still about 13% retained austenite in alloys. Cryogenic treatment cannot make retained austenite transform to martensite completely. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.