Paper Titles
Multiscale Simulation of Asperity Flattening with Realistic Surface Topography and Microstructure
p.21
Tool Wear Investigation Nickel Plated Steels for Battery Shell Production
p.35
Numerical Analysis of Roughness Transfer Mechanism during Skin-Pass Rolling
p.43
Modeling the Effect of Lubricants on Surface Conditions in Plane-Strain Upsetting Tests
p.53
Improvement of Wear and Corrosion Resistance of X46Cr13 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Cryogenic Treatment
p.65
Assessment of the Potential of CO₂ as a Lubricant in Cold Forging of Low-Carbon Mild Steel
p.75
A New Ex-Situ Method for Real Contact Area Determination for Sheet Metal Forming
p.85
Sliding Distance Dependency and Third Body Particle Influence in Flat Strip-Draw Testing of Aluminum Sheet for Friction Characterization in Automotive Stamping
p.97
Towards Multi-Scale Friction Modelling for Bulk Sheet Metal Forming Applications
p.113

Improvement of Wear and Corrosion Resistance of X46Cr13 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Cryogenic Treatment

Article Preview
View Pdf By email

Abstract:

This study investigates the effect of deep cryogenic treatment on the tribological and electrochemical performance of X46Cr13 martensitic stainless steel, with a particular emphasis on the synergistic interaction between wear and corrosion and its microstructural origins. The material was subjected to conventional quenching and tempering and compared with heat treatment routes incorporating cryogenic processing. Hardness measurements, wear tests, and electrochemical characterization by Tafel polarization were combined with quantitative microstructural analysis. Cryogenic treatment induces a pronounced microstructural refinement through the transformation of retained austenite into martensite and the enhanced precipitation of fine chromium-rich carbides, predominantly M₂₃C₆ and M₇C₃. This process results in an increased carbide number density and a reduced average carbide area, leading to a more homogeneous carbide distribution within the martensitic matrix. The refined carbide population contributes to increased hardness and significantly improved wear resistance by effectively hindering plastic deformation and abrasive damage. Simultaneously, the stabilization of the martensitic matrix and the modified carbide–matrix interface promote the formation of a more uniform and stable passive film, improving corrosion resistance. The combined improvement in wear and corrosion behavior reduces the degradation rate under coupled mechanical and electrochemical loading, demonstrating a clear tribocorrosion synergy controlled by carbide characteristics. These findings highlight cryogenic treatment as an effective strategy for tailoring the microstructure of martensitic stainless steels to enhance their performance in aggressive and mechanically demanding environments.

You have full access to the following eBook
Friction and Wear in Metal Forming Read eBook

Info:

Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1184)

Pages:

65-74

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-DDRk7C

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

April 2026

Authors:

Isabel Espinosa*, Sergi Menargues, Juan David Gutierrez, Josep A. Picas, Javier Antonio Navas Lopez, Maria Teresa Baile Puig

Keywords:

AISI 420, Cryogenic Treatment, Electrochemical Corrosion, Martensitic Stainless Steel, Wear

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Permissions:

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] M. Maher, I. Iraola-Arregui, H. Ben Youcef, B. Rhouta, and V. Trabadelo, "The synergistic effect of wear-corrosion in stainless steels: A review," in Materials Today: Proceedings, Elsevier Ltd, 2021, p.1975–1990.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.05.010

Google Scholar

[2] P. Jurči and I. Dlouhý, "Cryogenic Treatment of Martensitic Steels: Microstructural Fundamentals and Implications for Mechanical Properties and Wear and Corrosion Performance," Feb. 01, 2024, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI).

DOI: 10.3390/ma17030548

Google Scholar

[3] H. J. Chen et al., "Effects of heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo martensitic stainless steel," Mater. Charact., vol. 223, May 2025.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2025.114909

Google Scholar

[4] A. N. de Moura et al., "Effect of austenitization temperature on microstructure, crystallographic aspects, and mechanical properties of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel," Materials Science and Engineering: A, vol. 909, Sep. 2024.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2024.146835

Google Scholar

[5] K H PRABHUDEV, Handbook of Heat Treatment of Steels. 1992.

Google Scholar

[6] R. F. Barron, "Cryogenic treatment of metals to improve wear resistance," Cryogenics (Guildf)., vol. 22, no. 8, p.409–413, Aug. 1982.

DOI: 10.1016/0011-2275(82)90085-6

Google Scholar

[7] Disponible a: https://matricir.com/, "Matricir | Fabricación de matrices y rodillos a medida."

Google Scholar

[8] J. Anna Sajan, R. Reji, and A. Mohamed Rafi, "A Review on the Cryogenic Treatment of Stainless Steels, Tool Steels and Carburized Steels," Jun. 2020. [Online]. Available: www.ijisrt.com.

Google Scholar

[9] A. Dalmau, C. Richard, and A. Igual – Muñoz, "Degradation mechanisms in martensitic stainless steels: Wear, corrosion and tribocorrosion appraisal," Tribol. Int., vol. 121, p.167–179, May 2018.

DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2018.01.036

Google Scholar

[10] Ph. D. F. George E. Totten, "Steel Heat Treatment - Metallurgy And Technologies," no. Metallurgy and technologies, 2006.

Google Scholar

[11] S. Van Der Meer, "Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Effect of Heat Treatment and Composition on Electrochemical Behaviour of AISI 420 Martensitic Stainless Steels," 2016.

Google Scholar