Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on the Abrasive-resistance of T12 Steel

The variations in the abrasive resistance of high carbon steel (T12) before and after cryogenic treatment were investigated using an abrasive wear test rig (MLS 23) and hardness tester (HR 150D). The worn surface morphology of the steel was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result shows that the hardness ( HRC ) of high carbon steel (T12) increases slightly and the abrasive wear resistance by 50%～60% after cryogenic treatment. It was supposed that cryogenic treatment could decrease harmful cracks and hence improve the wear resistance.