Principles and Mechanisms of Cryomilling of Metallic Materials: Insights from Recent Studies

Abstract

Cryomilling (CM) is a vital top-down process used for creating nanomaterials, offering advantages over traditional mechanical alloying by operating in cryogenic environments. The process minimizes cold welding, enhances particle fracture, and reduces oxidation, leading to ultrafine grains in metallic, alloys, and composite powders. CM is applicable across diverse material systems, including face-centered cubic, body-centered cubic, hexagonal close-packed, and high-entropy alloys. By examining the effects of CM on various materials with different crystal structures, this review highlights the critical role of processing parameters such as ball-to-powder ratio, milling speed, and the use of process control agents. The study further explores how CM enhances mechanical properties like strength and hardness, providing pathways for future research aimed at optimizing efficiency, scalability, and reducing contamination during the milling process.