Influence of Cryogenic Treatment and Tempering Temperature on Microstructural Evolution and Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of AISI D3 Cold-Work Tool Steel

Boztepe A., GECÜ R.

Journal of Tribology, vol.147, no.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 147 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1115/1.4067045
  • Journal Name: Journal of Tribology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: AISI D3, cold-work steel, cryogenic treatment, double tempering, hardness, sliding, wear, wear mechanisms
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

AISI D3 cold-work steel was shallow and deep cryogenically treated and double-tempered at 150, 250, and 350 °C temperatures. Cryogenic processes transformed the retained austenite into martensite, while double tempering produced Fe-, Cr-, and W-rich carbides. The wear losses of cryogenically treated specimens decreased by up to 60% compared to conventionally heat-treated samples. Worn surfaces mainly experienced abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms. Due to the formation of homogeneously dispersed fine carbides at 250 °C, oxidative wear occurred at the matrix phase, resulting in the lowest wear rate. The samples tempered at 150 °C suffered from the severe abrasive action of hard carbide particles, while the samples treated at 350 °C failed because of carbide coarsening.