Cryoprocessing of Materials: A Review of Current Status

Cryoprocessing is the process of cooling a material to extremely low temperatures to generate enhanced mechanical and physical properties. This article examines the effects of cryoprocessing on steel and some copper alloys. Research has shown that improvements occur in wear resistance, dimensional stability, electrical and thermal conductivity, and hardness. The metallurgical aspects include reducing the amount of retained austenite, increasing carbide formation, and enhancing short-range diffusion. The processing steps are critical. This accounts for the considerable discrepancy in post-treated performance.