Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

The Cryogenic treatment is an old technique for material enhancement; however, it has become a popular method. It is an optional and one-time permanent treatment process that involves exposing materials to extremely low temperatures at -196 ^°C and has piqued interest because of its potential to greatly improve mechanical properties and is a well-established technique for material enhancement; however, its recent popularity stems from its potential to significantly improve mechanical properties. This study investigated the effect of cryogenic treatment on aluminium alloy 6101, focusing on enhancing its mechanical and microstructural properties for potential structural applications. The fabricated samples were cooled to approximately -196 ^°C and then spontaneously heated to ambient temperature. Compression tests were conducted on both the treated and untreated samples to evaluate the changes in yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, and ductility. Optical microscopy was employed to analyse the grain structure, dislocation density, and precipitate distribution. The results demonstrated that the cryogenic treatment led to a notable increase in the compressive strength, although the ductility decreased. The microstructural analysis revealed a finer grain structure, which contributed to the improved load-bearing capacity of the material. These findings highlight the potential of cryogenically treated aluminium alloy 6101 for applications that require superior compressive strength and structural integrity.