This study has compared the performance of cryogenically processed EN 52 Silchrome valve steel with untreated material. After completing the standard heat treatment process, EN 52 steel material specimens are subjected to a deep cryogenic process with varying soaking temperatures. The parameters of the deep cryogenic procedure were changed to find the best wear qualities. The key features of valve steel, such as microstructure, mechanical, and wear behaviour are evaluated by conducting a test study. The evolution of wear mechanisms after enhancing qualities of EN 52 steel is studied using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical and wear behaviour improved due to factors such as fine carbide precipitation, conversion of residual austenite, and carbide refining formed after cryogenic treatment. With a maximum reduction in wear rate of up to 45%, the deep cryogenic treatment of EN 52 steel with a soaking temperature of -140 °C was the ideal parameter. All three cryo-treated samples had better properties than the untreated EN 52 valve steel.

Department of Machining Assembly and Engineering Metrology Faculty of Mechanical Engineering VSB Technical University of Ostrava 70800 Ostrava Czech Republic

Department of Machining Process Planning and Metrology Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Czech Technical University Prague 16600 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Mechanical Engineering Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R and D Institute of Science and Technology Avadi 600062 India

Department of R and D Bond Marine Consultancy London EC1V 2NX UK

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