• Rapid Freezing: Materials in contact with liquid nitrogen are rapidly cooled to extremely low temperatures, often reaching -196°C (-321°F).

• Increased Brittleness: Many materials become brittle and are prone to cracking or shattering due to the extreme cold, including metals, plastics, and certain composites.

• Thermal Contraction: Materials contract due to the sudden drop in temperature, which can lead to structural stress and potential failure, particularly in materials not designed to withstand such conditions.

• Cryogenic Treatment: Some materials, such as certain metals, can benefit from cryogenic treatment. This process can enhance their strength and wear resistance through changes in their microstructure.

• Material Embrittlement: Rubber, plastics, and some metals may undergo embrittlement, losing their flexibility and becoming more susceptible to breaking upon impact.

• Superconductivity: Certain materials, like specific ceramics and metals, exhibit superconducting properties at liquid nitrogen temperatures, allowing them to conduct electricity with zero resistance.

• Magnetic Properties: Some materials can change their magnetic properties when exposed to liquid nitrogen, which can be utilized in scientific experiments and applications.

• Adhesion and Delamination: Composite materials and laminates may experience adhesion issues, where layers separate due to differential contraction rates between different materials.

• Shrink Fitting: Liquid nitrogen can be used in engineering to shrink fit components. As they return to room temperature, they expand to form a tight fit.

• Food Preservation: In the food industry, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze food products quickly, preserving texture, flavor, and nutritional content by minimizing ice crystal formation.

• Material Testing: Exposure to liquid nitrogen is used in materials testing to understand how different substances behave under extreme cold conditions, essential for aerospace and cryogenic applications.

• Cryopreservation: Biological samples, including cells, tissues, and other biological materials, can be preserved at liquid nitrogen temperatures, halting all biological activity and preventing degradation.