"Coating" the structure of metals at deep cryogenic temperatures

Durability is the most important criterion when defining the quality of a tool steel. Cryogenic tempering of metals is becoming acknowledged as an effective method for increasing durability, or "wear life", and decreasing residual stress in tool steels. The process creates many benefits for steel, including an exceptional increase in durability and wear resistivity, generally exceeding 300% as the greatest benefit. Tensile strength, an increase in toughness and greater stability through the release of internal stresses are also created.

Deep cryogenics (below -300°F­) is creating new applications in science. High temperature superconductors, the super-conducting super-collider, cryobiology, magnetohydrodynamic drive systems for ships and low-temperature physics have all developed recently.

Source: http://www.300below.com/press/magazine-articles/modern-applications-news-magazine.html