Effects of Alloying Elements on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Heavy Section Ductile Cast Iron

The effects of alloying elements on the as-cast microstructures and mechanical properties of heavy section ductile cast iron were investigated to develop press die material having high strength and high ductility. Measurements of ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% proof strength, elongation and unnotched Charpy impact energy are presented as a function of alloy amounts within 0.25 to 0.75 wt pct range. Hardness is measured on the broken tensile specimens. The small additions of Mo, Cu, Ni and Cr changed the as-cast mechanical properties owing to the different as-cast matrix microstructures. The ferrite matrix of Mo and Ni alloyed cast iron exhibits low strength and hardness as well as high elongation and impact energy. The increase in Mo and Ni contents developed some fractions of pearlite structures near the austenite eutectic cell boundaries, which caused the elongation and impact energy to drop in a small range. Adding Cu and Cr elements rapidly changed the ferrite matrix into pearlite matrix, so strength and hardness were significantly increased. As more Mo and Cr were added, the size and fraction of primary carbides in the eutectic cell boundaries increased through the segregation of these elements into the intercellular boundaries.

Recent development of ductile cast iron production technology in China

Recent progress in the production and technology of ductile cast iron castings in China is reviewed. The manufacture and process control of as-cast ductile iron are discussed. The microstructure, properties and application of partial austenitization normalizing ductile iron and austempered ductile iron (ADI) are briefly depicted. The new development of ductile iron production techniques, such as cored-wire injection (wire-feeding nodularization) process, tundish cover ladle nodularizing process, horizontal continuous casting, and EPC process (lost foam) for ductile iron castings, etc., are summarized.

Effect of Bi on graphite morphology and mechanical properties of heavy section ductile cast iron

To improve the mechanical properties of heavy section ductile cast iron, bismuth(Bi) was introduced into the iron. Five castings with different Bi content from 0 to 0.014 wt.% were prepared; and four positions in the casting from the edge to the center, with different solidifi cation cooling rates, were chosen for microstructure observation and mechanical properties test. The effect of the Bi content on the graphite morphology and mechanical properties of heavy section ductile cast iron were investigated. Results show that the tensile strength, elongation and impact toughness at different positions in the fi ve castings decrease with a decrease in cooling rate. With an increase in Bi content, the graphite morphology and the mechanical properties at the same position are improved, and the improvement of mechanical properties is obvious when the Bi content is no higher than 0.011wt.%. But when the Bi content is further increased to 0.014wt.%, the improvement of mechanical properties is not obvious due to the increase of chunky graphite number and the aggregation of chunky graphite. With an increase in Bi content, the tensile fracture mechanism is changed from brittle to mixture ductile-brittle fracture.

Thermal and microstructural characterization of a novel ductile cast iron modified by aluminum addition

In high-temperature applications,like exhaust manifolds,cast irons with a ferritic matrix are mostly used.However,the increasing demand for higher-temperature applications has led manufacturers to use additional expensive materials such as stainless steels and Ni-resist austenitic ductile cast irons.Thus,in order to meet the demand while using low-cost materials,new alloys with improved high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance must be developed.In this study,thermodynamic calculations with Thermo-Calc software were applied to study a novel ductile cast iron with a composition of 3.5wt%C,4wt%Si,1wt%Nb,0‒4wt%Al.The designed compositions were cast,and thermal analysis and microstructural characterization were performed to validate the calculations.The lowest critical temperature of austenite to pearlite eutectoid transformation,i.e.,A1,was calculated,and the solidification sequence was determined.Both calculations and experimental data revealed the importance of aluminum addition,as the A1 increased by increasing the aluminum content in the alloys,indicating the possibility of utilizing the alloys at higher temperature.The experimental data validated the transformation temperature during solidification and at the solid state and confirmed the equilibrium phases at room temperature as ferrite,graphite,and MC-type carbides.

Formation mechanism of spheroidal carbide in ultra-low carbon ductile cast iron

The formation mechanism of the spheroidal carbide in the ultra-low carbon ductile cast iron fabricated by the metal mold casting technique was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the spheroidal carbide belonged to eutectic carbide and crystallized in the isolated eutectic liquid phase area. The formation process of the spheroidal carbide was related to the contact and the intersection between the primary dendrite and the secondary dendrite of austenite. The oxides of magnesium, rare earths and other elements can act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for the spheroidal carbide. It was also found that the amount of the spheroidal carbide would increase with an increase in carbon content. The cooling rate has an important influence on the spheroidal carbide under the same chemical composition condition.

Effects of slope plate variable and reheating on semi-solid structure of ductile cast iron

Semi-solid metal casting and forming are known as a promising process for a wide range of metalalloys production. In spite of growing application of semi-solid processed light alloys, a few works have been reportedabout semi-solid processing of iron and steel. In this research inclined plate was used to change dendritic structureof iron to globular one. The effects of length and slope of plate on the casting structure were examined. The resultsshow that the process can effectively change the dendritic structure to globular. In the slope plate angle of 7.5? andlength of 560 mm with cooling rate of 67K·s-1 the optimum nodular graphite and solid globular particle were achieved.The results also show that by using slope plate inoculant fading can be prevented more easily since the total time ofprocess is rather short. In addition, the semi-solid ductile cast iron prepared by inclined plate method, was reheated to examine the effectof reheating conditions on the microstructure and coarsening kinetics of the alloy. Solid fraction at different reheatingtemperatures and holding time was obtained and based on these results the optimum reheating temperature rangewas determined.

Nucleation of Bainite in Bainite Ductile Cast Iron

The bainite ductile cast iron with given composition was quenched to get bainite structure.The nucleating position of bainite and the distribution of alloying elements in the matrix were measured.The results show that the bainite nucleates at the interface between graphite and austenite during quenching.Based on the experimental results and thermodynamics,the nucleating mechanism of bainite in ductile iron was analyzed.

MAKING DUCTILE CAST IRON WITH ESR PROCESS

Making ductile cast iron with ESR process under D.C. condition without adding spheroidizing inoculant alloys has been studied in laboratory. The key operation of ESR for cast iron is increasing the silicon content in unrefined consumable electrodes of flake graphite cast iron and using CaF2-based slags containing rare-earth or basic oxides and magnesium fluoride. The samples excel ductile cast iron produced by general technological process in fatigue strength and sealing performance.

Effect of cyclic quenching treatment on microstructural evolution and properties of ductile cast iron

Due to the coarse grain microstructure and low hardness of ductile cast iron(DCI),this material is unable to meet the performance requirements of bearing structural materials.To obtain ultra-fine-grained and ultra-hardened DCI,the influence of a cyclic quenching treatment on the evolution process and properties of DCI after three cycles of quenching at 860℃ for 30 min was investigated through morphology and grain-size characterization,X-ray diffraction analysis,and mechanical-property determination of DCI.It was found that the microstructure and performance depended strongly on the process of the cyclic quenching.With an increasing number of cycles,the grain size of austenite was significantly refined from 41.2 to 12.3μm,and the length and width of lath/plate martensite,as well as the lath and twins,are decreased.In the meantime,the morphology of retained austenite changed from blocky to granular,together with the stability increased.The experimental sample obtained a performance with a hardness higher than 60 HRC after cyclic quenching treatment due to the refined grain size and increased dislocation density.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ductile Cast Iron in Lost Foam Casting with Vibration

The microstructures and mechanical properties of the ductile cast iron （DI） specimens obtained by lost foam casting （LFC） with and without vibration were investigated. The results indicate that the number of the graphite nodule increases from 175 mm 2 of the specimens produced by LFC without vibration to 334 mm^-2 of the specimens produced by LFC with vibration, and the thickness of the ferrite shell increases. Meanwhile, the amount of the carbides decreases in the specimens produced by LFC with vibration and the granule structure then forms. These are mainly attributed to the ＂crystal shower＂ caused by the vibration. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation of DI specimens produced by LFC with vibration are improved due to the dispersion-strengthening of refined carbide and Dearlite colonv, uniform distribution of the graphite nodule, and increase of the amount of dimples and tearing edges.

Weldability of Ferritic Ductile Cast Iron Using Full Factorial Design of Experiment

The weldability of a ferritic ductile cast iron was investigated as a function of different consumables and welding conditions. A 23 full factorial experimental design was used to analyze the effect of factors and their interac- tions on ultimate tensile strength of weldments. The shielded metal arc welding （SMAW） process was used with two types of consumables （E7018 and ENi-CI） under eight different conditions using as-cast samples. The microstructur- al evolution and fracture mechanisms were investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, respectively. The hardness, tensile and impact tests were also performed to determine the weld quality. Based on experiment design, preheat, consumable, cooling condition, preheat cooling and preheat-consumable inter- actions were significant factors. Preheat is the most effective factor and in the case of E7018, preheat and cooling conditions were the most sensible factors. It was found that buttering was the most appropriate welding method for ferritic ductile cast iron.

Effect of Slope Plate Variable and Reheating on the Semi-Solid Structure of Ductile Cast Iron

Semi-solid metal casting and forming is a promising production method for a wide range of metal alloys, In spite of many applications for semi-solid processed light alloys, few works have reported on the semi-solid processing of iron and steel. In this research, an inclined plate was used to change the dendritic structure of iron to globular. The effects of the length and slope of the plate on the casting structure were examined. The results show that the process effectively changes the dendritic structure to globular. A sloped plate angle of 7.5° and length of 560 mm with a cooling rate of 67 K· s^-1 gave the optimum graphite nodu- larity and solid particle globularity. The results also show that the sloped plate more easily prevents inoculant fading since the total time processing is rather short. In addition the semi-solid ductile cast iron prepared using the inclined plate method was reheated to examine the effect of reheating conditions on the microstructure and coarsening kinetics of the alloy. The solid fractions at different reheating temperatures and holding times were used to find the optimum reheating temperature range.

Cementites decomposition of a pearlitic ductile cast iron during graphitization annealing heat treatment

Cementites decomposition of a pearlitic ductile cast iron during graphitization annealing heat treatment was investigated.Fractographies and microstructures of heat treated samples were observed using a scanning electron microscope and mechanical properties were measured by a universal tensile test machine.The results indicated that during isothermal annealing at 750°C,the tensile strength of pearlitic ductile cast iron was increased to a peak value at 0.5h,and decreased gradually thereafter but the elongation was enhanced with the increase of annealing time.Moreover,the diffusion coefficient of carbon atoms could be approximately calculated as 0.56μm2/s that could be regarded as the shortrange diffusion.As the holding time was short（0.5h）,diffusion of carbon atoms was incomplete and mainly occurred around the graphites where the morphology of cementites changed from fragmentized shape to granular shape.In addition,the ductile cast iron with tensile strength of 740MPa and elongation of 7% could be achieved after graphitization annealing heat treatment for 0.5h.Two principal factors should be taken into account.First,the decomposition of a small amount of cementites was beneficial for increasing the ductility up to elongation of 7%.Second,the diffusion of carbon atoms from cementites to graphites could improve the binding force between graphites and matrix,enhancing the tensile strength to 740 MPa.

Effect of Austenitizing Treatment on Structure and Hardness of Bainite DuctileCast Iron

By continuous quenching process, the effect of austenitizing temperature and time on the structure and hardness of bainiteductile cast iron was studied. It was found that (l) low austenitizing temperature would result in scrap ferrite existing in matrix, whichreduces the macro-hardness of bainite ductile cast iron; (2) high austenitizing temperature would make carbide decomposed, which alsoinduces the macro-hardness of bainite cast iron, and (3) austenitizing time has little effect on the structure of bainite ductile cast iron, butas it increases, the macro-hardness ofbainite ductile cast iron and micro-hardness of bainite increases. To the ductile cast iron, as a result,the suitable austenitizing temperature and time are recommended as 880 and 120 min respectively.

Performance of heavy ductile iron castings for windmills

The main objective of the present paper is to review the specific characteristics and performance obtaining conditions of heavy ductile iron(DI) castings,typically applied in windmills industry,such as hubs and rotor housings.The requirements for high impact properties in DI at low temperatures are part of the ENGJS-400-18U-LT(SRN 1563) commonly referred to as GGG 40.3(DIN 1693).Pearlitic in-uence factor(Px) and antinodularising action factor(K1) were found to have an important in-uence on the structure and mechanical properties,as did Mn and P content,rare earth(RE) addition and inoculation power.The presence of high purity pig iron in the charge is extremely beneficial,not only to control the complex factors Px and K1,but also to improve the 'metallurgical quality' of the iron melt.A correlation of C and Si limits with section modulus is very important to limit graphite nodule flotation.Chunky and surface-degenerated graphite are the most controlled graphite morphologies in windmills castings.The paper concluded on the optimum iron chemistry and melting procedure,Mg-alloys and inoculants peculiar systems,as well as on the practical solutions to limit graphite degeneration and to ensure castings of the highest integrity,typically for this field.

Low temperature impact strength of heavy section ductile iron castings:effects of microstructure and chemical composition

A foundry research project has been recently initiated at RTIT in order to better understand the fabrication of as-cast heavy section DI parts meeting high impact energy requirements at low temperatures.The experimental castings have the following dimensions 180 mm x 180 mm x 190 mm.The achieved as-cast Charpy impact strengths were as follows:17 J (RT),16 J (-20℃) and 11 J (-40℃).The foundry process,the chemical composition and the microstructure of this experimental casting are compared to the ones of various examples in order to show the detrimental effects of residual elements,microshrinkage and microcarbide on the impact properties.Finally,quality index empirical models (based on casting chemical compositions) are used to analyse the impact tests results.This paper illustrates that an adequate nodule count can contribute to reducing the detrimental effects of the residual elements and microsegregation.

A Mathematical Model for Predicting Shrinkage Defect of Ductile Iron Castings

The shrinkage defect of a ductile iron casting is attributed to the volume variations occurring in solidification, which consist of liquid contraction, solidification shrinkage, graphitization expansion, and mold cavity enlargement. Based on this understanding, a mathematical model for predicting the shrinkage defect of the casting is developed, in which the volume variations of the casting in soli- dification are numerically simulated, especially, the mold cavity enlargement is quantitatively calculated. Moreover, the reliability of the model is verified in production and experiment.

Surface Graphite Degeneration in Ductile Iron Castings for Resin Molds

The objective of this paper is to review the factors influencing the formation of degenerated graphite layers on the surfaces of ductile iron castings for chemical resins-acid molding and core-making systems and how to reduce this defect. In the resin mold technique the sulphur in the P-toluol sulphonic acid （PTSA）, usually used as the hardener, has been identified as one factor causing graphite degeneration at the metalmold interface. Less than 0.15% S in the mold （or even less than 0.07% S） can reduce the surface layer depth. Oxygen may also have an effect, especially for sulphur containing systems with turbulent flows in the mold, water-bearing no-bake binder systems, Mg-Silica reactions, or dross formation conditions. Despite the lower level of nitrogen in the iron melt after magnesium treatment （less than 90 ppm）, nitrogen bearing resins have a profound effect on the frequency and severity of surface pinholes, but a limited influence on surface graphite degeneration.

As-Cast Acicular Ductile Aluminum Cast Iron

The effects of nickel （2.2 %） and molybdenum （0.6 % ） additions on the kinetics, microstrueture, and mechanical properties of ductile aluminum cast iron were studied under the as-cast and tempered conditions. Test bars machined from cast to size samples were used for mechanical and metallurgical studies. The results showed that adding nickel and molybdenum to the base iron produced an upper bainitic structure, resulting in an increase in strength and hardness. The same trend was shown when the test bars were tempered at 300 ℃in the range of 300 ℃ to 400 ℃. The elongation increased with increasing the temperature from 300 ℃ to 400 ℃. The carbon content of the retained austenite also increased with increasing the temperature. The results also showed that the kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of this iron were similar to those of Ni-Mo alloyed silicon ductile iron.

Variations regularity of microorganisms and corrosion of cast iron in water distribution system

Corrosion, one of the most common problems of metal pipe for water supply, generally leads to poor water quality, bacteria proliferation, water capacity decrease and other problems. As microorganisms affect corrosion by changing the characteristics of metal surface, the mechanism of microbial corrosion still remains unclear. The corrosion behavior of ductile cast iron is implemented in the dynamic flow and static conditions, in which variations of water quality and microbial community are analyzed in details. The results show that if the corrosion rate of ductile cast iron decreases, the corrosion of cast iron will result in a lower DO and a higher total iron in bulk water. The number of microorganisms is not a decisive factor of corrosion, even though the counts of bacteria had a close relationship with DO. On the basis of the detection of the 10 kinds of nitratereducing bacteria by Miseq sequencing, NRB of the biofilm biomass accounts for 18.3% on the 30 th day and 20.5% on the 55 th day. Even though aerobic NRBs go into the biofilm later than the facultative anaerobic NRBs, the growth of the anaerobic NRBs is not affected.