ACADEMIC RESEARCH ON DCT PERFORMANCE GAINS
In this section we have gathered some relevant academic research which explains the science behind Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) and the affects it has on various materials.
​
To summarise, deep sub-zero temperatures physically changes the treated material leaving it stronger, tougher and harder. The applications are almost limitless from drill teeth to brake discs to fish hooks to alloy wheels.
All will be stronger and longer lasting and able to withstand increased stress over an untreated part.
​
The technology to liquify gas is relatively new and it is still very uncommon in it's use, so unlike testing materials with high temperatures (e.g. quenching steel), testing the effects of deep sub-zero temperatures is still in it's infancy. We have been sponsoring cryogenic studies at the University of Leicester for many years helping to further scientific knowledge in this fascinating field.
​
Below are a few articles and research papers from a variety of sources which will get you started. A quick google search will show many more academic studies however a lot of empirical testing remains confidential as enterprises (from military to mining to F1) see these performance and cost gains as a competitive edge and are naturally reluctant to share their findings.
CTD is a free resource for Research and Information run by the Cryogenic Society of America
Making the Case for a Short-Cycle DeepCryogenic Treatment for Tool Steels
DCT for HiFi Cables
Cryogenic Treatment for Motor Sports
The Effect of Cryogenic Treatments on 7075 Aluminum Alloy
Cryogenic The Racers Edge
The Modern Machine Shop - Tooling
Effect of cryogenic treatment on mechanical properties and microstructure of aluminium 6082 alloy
Racecar Engineering
Cryogenic Treatment on the Wear Resistance of Piston Ring Materials
Comparison of K340 Steel Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Using SCT and DCT
Cryogenic Treatment of Brake Rotors to Improve Wear Resistance
Effect of Cryogenic Processing on Surface Roughness of Age Hardenable AA6061 Alloy
Effects of cryogenic treatment on the wear properties of brake discs
Influence of cryogenic thermal treatment on mechanical properties of an Al–Cu–Mg alloy
Comparison of Effects of Cryogenic Treatment on Different Types of Steels : A Review
Cryogeninc treatment of Gears
Effect of tempering and deep cryogenic treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr–Mo–V–Ni steel