Effect of microstructure and mechanical properties on cutting force of different cast irons with similar tensile strength

Flake graphite iron, compacted graphite iron and spheroidal graphite iron with various tensile strengths were cast. They were selected and grouped according to roughly the same tensile strength, and then the main cutting force in each group was measured and compared. The microstructures of different cast irons were characterized. The relationship between the cutting force and microstructure was established. Results show that the graphite morphology in cast irons determines the strength. In order to obtain the same strength of the cast iron with sharply edged graphite, more or finer pearlite in the matrix is needed. Graphitic cast irons with high pearlite content and smaller pearlite interlamellar spacing have higher hardness. For the cast irons with different graphite morphologies, but almost the same tensile strength, the main cutting force is obviously different, along with the hardness. Harder cast irons have a greater cutting force, but the difference in cutting force is not proportional to hardness.

Effect of vanadium and chromium on the microstructural features of V–Cr–Mn–Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons

The objective of this investigation is to study the influence of vanadium（5.0wt%–10.0wt%） and chromium（0–9.0wt%） on the microstructure and hardness of Cr-V-Mn-Ni white cast irons with spheroidal vanadium carbides. The alloys＇ microstructural features are presented and discussed with regard to the distribution of phase elements. The structural constituents of the alloys are spheroidal VC, proeutectoid cementite, ledeburite eutectic, rosette-shaped carbide eutectic（based on M7C3）, pearlite, martensite, and austenite. Their combinations and area fraction（AF） ratios are reported to be influenced by the alloys＇ chemical composition. Spheroidized VC particles are found to be sites for the nucleation of carbide eutectics. Cr and V are shown to substitute each other in the VC and M7C3 carbides, respectively. Chromium alloying leads to the formation of a eutectic（γ-Fe ＋ М7С3）, preventing the appearance of proeutectoid cementite in the structure. Vanadium and chromium are revealed to increase the total carbide fraction and the amount of austenite in the matrix. Cr is observed to play a key role in controlling the metallic matrix microstructure.

Abrasive resistance of metastable V–Cr–Mn–Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons using the factorial design method

Full factorial design was used to evaluate the two-body abrasive resistance of 3wt%C–4wt%Mn–1.5wt%Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons with varying vanadium（5.0wt%–10.0wt%） and chromium（up to 9.0wt%） contents. The alloys were quenched at 920℃. The regression equation of wear rate as a function of V and Cr contents was proposed. This regression equation shows that the wear rate decreases with increasing V content because of the growth of spheroidal VC carbide amount. Cr influences the overall response in a complex manner both by reducing the wear rate owing to eutectic carbides（M7C3） and by increasing the wear rate though stabilizing austenite to deformation-induced martensite transformation. This transformation is recognized as an important factor in increasing the abrasive response of the alloys. By analyzing the regression equation, the optimal content ranges are found to be 7.5wt%–10.0wt% for V and 2.5wt%–4.5wt% for Cr, which corresponds to the alloys containing 9vol%–15vol% spheroidal VC carbides, 8vol%–16vol% M7C3, and a metastable austenite/martensite matrix. The wear resistance is 1.9–2.3 times that of the traditional 12wt% V–13wt% Mn spheroidal carbide cast iron.

Impact Properties of Austempered Spheroidal Graphite Cast Irons

This study aims to clarify the influence of external notch on impact characteristics of high toughness ductile cast irons prepared by austempering heat treatment. We produced ductile cast irons samples with various matrix microstructure tested by Charpy impact within five kinds of external notches whose stress concentration factors (α), with values taken from 1.0 (Un-notched) to 4.8. In addition, to clarify the initiation process of impact characteristics, we observed the evolution of microstructure surface during bending tests with a slow loading speed for the un-notched and the notched impact samples. The results showed that the impact fracture energy decreases strongly in the range of α from 1 to 2.3 but decreases slightly for α larger than 3. Moreover, the impact value of samples with austempered microstructure is sensitive to the external notch shape. The impact transition temperature increases with increasing the stress concentration factor. The fracture energy is decreasing with the external notch from the impact test since the crack initiation energy is directly affected by this later. This work contributes to get a better understanding in the basic theories of external notch effect on impact characteristics of austempered spheroidal graphite cast irons (ADI).

New developments in high quality grey cast irons

The paper reviews original data obtained by the present authors,revealed in recent separate publications,describing specific procedures for high quality grey irons,and reflecting the forecast needs of the worldwide iron foundry industry.High power,medium frequency coreless induction furnaces are commonly used in electric melting grey iron foundries.This has resulted in low sulphur(<0.05wt.%)and aluminium(<0.005wt.%)contents in the iron,with a potential for higher superheating(>1,500°C),contributing to unfavourable conditions for graphite nucleation.Thin wall castings are increasingly produced by these electric melt shops with a risk of greater eutectic undercooling during solidification.The paper focused on two groups of grey cast irons and their specific problems:carbides and graphite morphology control in lower carbon equivalent high strength irons(CE=3.4%-3.8%),and austenite dendrite promotion in eutectic and slightly hypereutectic irons(CE=4.1%-4.5%),in order to increase their strength characteristics.There are 3 stages and 3 steps involving graphite formation,iron chemistry and iron processing that appear to be important.The concept in the present paper sustains a threestage model for nucleating flake graphite[(Mn,X)S type nuclei].There are three important groups of elements(deoxidizer,Mn/S,and inoculant)and three technological stages in electric melting of iron(superheat,pre-conditioning of base iron,final inoculation).Attention is drawn to a control factor(%Mn)x(%S)ensuring it equals to 0.03–0.06,accompanied by 0.005wt.%–0.010wt.%Al and/or Zr content in inoculated irons.It was found that iron powder addition promotes austenite dendrite formation in eutectic and slightly eutectic,acting as reinforcement for the eutectic cells.But,there is an accompanying possible negative influence on the characteristics of the(Mn,X)S type graphite nuclei(change the morphology of nuclei from polygonal compact to irregular polygonal,and therefore promote chill tendency in treated irons).A double addition(iron powder+inoculant)appears to be an effective treatment to benefit both austenite and graphite nucleation,with positive effects on the final structure and chill tendency.

Improving chill control in iron powder treated slightly hypereutectic grey cast irons

Recent studies revealed that in eutectic to slightly hypereutectic grey irons(CE = 4.3%-4.5%) the presence of austenite dendrites provides an opportunity to improve the cast iron properties,as a high number of eutectic cells are "reinforced" by austenite dendrites.An iron powder addition proved to be important by promoting dendritic austenite in hypereutectic irons,but was accompanied by adverse effect on the characteristics of potential nuclei for graphite.The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the solidification pattern of these irons.Chill wedges with different cooling moduli(CM = 0.11-0.43 cm) were poured in resin bonded sand and metal moulds.Relative clear /mottled /total chill measurement criteria were applied.Iron powder additions led to a higher chill tendency,while single inoculation showed the strongest graphitizing effect.The various double treatments show an intermediate position,but the inoculant added after iron powder appears to be the most effective in reducing base iron chill tendency,for all cooling moduli and chill evaluation parameters.This performance reflects the improved properties of(Mn,X)S polygonal compounds as nucleation sites for graphite,especially in resin bonded sand mould castings.Both austenite and graphite nucleation benefit from a double addition of iron powder + inoculant,with positive effect on the final structure and chill tendency.

Microstructure and phase elemental distribution in high-boron multicomponent cast irons

The novel cast irons of chemical composition(wt%)0.7C-5W-5Mo-5V-10Cr-2.5Ti were invented with the additions of 1.6wt%B and 2.7wt%B.The aim of this work was to study the effect of boron on the structural state of the alloys and phase elemental distribution with respect to the formation of wear-resistant structural constituents.It was found that the alloy containing 1.6wt%B was composed of three eutectics:(a)“M_(2)(C,B)_(5)+ferrite”having a“Chinese Script”morphology(89.8vol%),(b)“M_(7)(C,B)_(3)+Austenite”having a“Rosette”morphology,and(c)“M_(3)C+Austenite”having a“Ledeburite”-shaped morphology(2.7vol%).With 2.7wt%of boron content,the bulk hardness increased from HRC 31 to HRC 38.5.The primary carboborides M_(2)(C,B)_(5) with average microhardness of HV 2797 appeared in the structure with a volume fraction of 17.6vol%.The volume fraction of eutectics(a)and(b,c)decreased to 71.2vol%and 3.9vol%,respectively.The matrix was“ferrite/austenite”for 1.6wt%B and“ferrite/pearlite”for 2.7wt%B.Both cast irons contained compact precipitates of carbide(Ti,M)C and carboboride(Ti,M)(C,В)with a volume fraction of 7.3%-7.5%.Based on the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,the elemental phase distributions and the appropriate phase formulas are presented in this work.

Theoretical Foundations of Applications of Rare Earths on Cast Irons

Application of rare earths in cast iron is a traditional applied field of rare earths in industry. The consumption of rare earths on cast iron is the first rank in all applied fields in China. The affinity between rare earths and O,S and other elements in cast iron is strong enough,which is the foundation to improve microstructures and properties of cast iron. But dynamics of reaction of rare earths in cast iron is disappointed. Therefore,effects of application of rare earths in cast iron always fluctuate. The good effects can be got when dynamics of reaction of rare earths on cast iron is controlled and improved. It is proved by practice that microstructures and properties of cast iron,such as ductile iron,vermicular graphite cast iron,gray cast iron,white cast iron and so on,are improved with amonnt of rare earths incrtasing. There is 'double peaks effect' for strength of cast iron vs. addition of rare earths in cast iron. The application of rare earths in cast iron still possesses bright prospects nowadays and future.

Erosion-corrosion investigation of high chromium cast irons using newly designed jet type tester

A jet type erosion-corrosion tester was developed for the erosion-corrosion investigation of high-chromium cast irons. During tests the size and the shape of particles in the slurry can be maintained stable. The jet velocity and attack angle can be accurately controlled. The repeatability and ranking consistency of the test results are satisfactory. The test parameters can be adjusted in a wide range, so that the tester can simulate various practical working conditions. Electrochemical test data can be automatically collected and processed. Dynamic polarization curves can be obtained during erosion-corrosion test, which can be used to study the dynamic corrosion characteristics.Two high chromium cast irons were studied in hot concentrated alkaline slurry. The results show that the erosioncorrosion mass loss rate and dynamic corrosion rate of 295Cr26 iron is lower than that of 185Cr13 under the conditions similar to alumyte processing. The mechanism of erosion-corrosion of 295Cr26 and 185Cr13 was studied by using the tester. The interaction between erosion and corrosion was also quantitatively evaluated.

Influence of austenization temperature on the erosion behavior of austempered ductile irons

The erosion behavior of austempered ductile irons austenized at different temperatures was studied. The results indicate that the erosion rate well correlates with the mechanical properties. At high impact angles, increasing ductility and mechanical energy density results in decreasing erosion rate, whereas increasing hardness reduces the erosion rate at low impact angles. 2008 University of Science and Technology Beijing. All rights reserved.

Relations of abrasion resistance and hardness of 16Cr-3C white irons with retained austenite content

The relationship between the retained austenite content of the matrix in16Cr-3C white irons and the abrasion resistance was investigated. The results show that: (1) theabrasion resistance can be improved by sub-critical heat treatment, which could be attributed to thedecrease of the retained austenite content; (2) both the abrasion resistance and hardness can beimproved by controlling the retained austenite content below 20 percent-30 percent and arrive at themaximum when the retained austenite content is reduced to about 10 percent; (3) the abrasionresistance decreases abruptly once the retained austenite content is lower than 10 percent, whichstems from both the in situ transformation of (Fe, Cr)_(23)C_6 to M_3C carbides and the formation ofpearlitic matrix.

TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN BY IRONSUPPLEMENTATION TWICE WEEKLY AND WEEKLY

Objective The effect of intermittent iron supplementation weekly and twice weekly was studied in children with iron deficiency anemia(IDA). Methods Subjects were 58 children who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a dosage of 2mg/kg Fe every 3d for 9 weeks. The other group received the same dose Fe once a week for 12 weeks. Results Hemoglobin and serum ferrltin increased significantly after treatment in both groups (P <o.o5), and zinc protoporphyrin decreased significantly (P <o. o5). But serum rerrltin of both groups was different after 6 weeks of treatment (P<o. o1). The side effect of the group supplemented once every 3d was higher than that of the group once a week, but there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Iron supplementation every 3d has a similar effect to once a week for treatment of IDA. The former should be used for the serious patients for 6 weeks. The later should be used for infants and the patients whose resistance of intestines and stomach are not good.

Synergistic improvement of nitrogen and phosphorus removal in constructed wetlands by the addition of solid iron substrates and ferrous irons

Sanjiang Plain is intensively used for rice production,and ditch drainage diffuse pollution prevention is crucial.Groundwater,rich in Fe ions,is the main source of irrigation water in this region.In this study,pyrite and zero-valent iron(ZVI)(sponge iron and iron scraps)were used as substrates to identify the synergistic influence of exogenous Fe^(2+)addition and solid iron substrates on pollutant removal in constructed wetlands.Based on the results,iron substrates hardly improved the ammonia removal,mainly because of the physical structure and oxidation activity.At a hydraulic retention time longer than 8 h,the pollution removal efficiency in the zero-valent iron(ZVI)substrate treatment increased significantly,and the removal of nitrate(NO_(3)^(−)-N)and total phosphorus(TP)in the iron scrap substrate treatment reached about 60%and 70%,respectively.The high-throughput sequencing results showed a significant increase in the abundance of microorganisms involved in denitrification and phosphate accumulation in biofilms on ZVI substrates.The highest diversities of such microorganisms in biofilms on iron scraps were found for denitrifying bacteria(Pseudomonas),nitrate-reducing Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria(Acidovorax),and Dechloromonas with autotrophic denitrification and phosphate accumulation,with a 43%cumulative abundance.Dechloromonas dominated in the iron sponge substrate treatment.The highest relative abundance of Acidovorax was found in the mixed iron substrate(pyrite,sponge iron,and iron scraps)treatment.The addition of ZVI substrate significantly improved the removal of NO^(3)_(−)-N and TP and reduced the hydraulic retention time through the continuous release of Fe^(2+)and the promotion of microbial growth.When designing constructed wetlands for treating paddy field drainage,the appropriate addition of iron scrap substrates is recommended to enhance the pollutant removal efficiency and shock load resistance of CWs.

Recent Developments in Metallic Degradable Micromotors for Biomedical and Environmental Remediation Applications

Synthetic micromotor has gained substantial attention in biomedicine and environmental remediation.Metal-based degradable micromotor composed of magnesium(Mg),zinc(Zn),and iron(Fe)have promise due to their nontoxic fuel-free propulsion,favorable biocompatibility,and safe excretion of degradation products Recent advances in degradable metallic micromotor have shown their fast movement in complex biological media,efficient cargo delivery and favorable biocompatibility.A noteworthy number of degradable metal-based micromotors employ bubble propulsion,utilizing water as fuel to generate hydrogen bubbles.This novel feature has projected degradable metallic micromotors for active in vivo drug delivery applications.In addition,understanding the degradation mechanism of these micromotors is also a key parameter for their design and performance.Its propulsion efficiency and life span govern the overall performance of a degradable metallic micromotor.Here we review the design and recent advancements of metallic degradable micromotors.Furthermore,we describe the controlled degradation,efficient in vivo drug delivery,and built-in acid neutralization capabilities of degradable micromotors with versatile biomedical applications.Moreover,we discuss micromotors’efficacy in detecting and destroying environmental pollutants.Finally,we address the limitations and future research directions of degradable metallic micromotors.

Microstructure and properties of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs for plunger pump cylinder

It is important to improve the comprehensive performance of the ductile iron bars(DIBs)for the cylinder block of the extra high pressure hydraulic plunger pump and accelerate the industrial application.In this work,the LZQT600-3 DIBs with the diameter of 145 mm were prepared by the horizontal continuous casting(HCC)process,that is,LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs.The microstructure and room temperature tensile properties of different sections[left-edge(surface layer),left-1/2R(left half of the radius),and the center of the HCCDIBs]were studied.The results show that the spheroidization of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs matrix from the left-edge,left-1/2R to the center is at nodulizing grade II and above.As the cooling rate gradually decreases from surface to the center of the HCCIBs,the number of spheroidized graphite is gradually reduced,the size is gradually increased,the shape factor is decreased,and the pearlite content and lamellate spacing are increased.Along the horizontal direction of the section,the hardness of the material is distributed symmetrically around the center of the HCCDIBs.In the vertical direction,the hardness distribution in the center of the HCCDIBs is asymmetrical due to the gravity during the solidification process.Therefore,the microstructure in the lower part of the section solidifies relatively quickly.The left-edge has the best tensile mechanical properties,and the ultimate tensile strength,yield tensile strength and elongation are 597.3 MPa,418.5 MPa and 9.6%,respectively.The tensile fracture belongs to the ductile-brittle hybrid fracture.The comprehensive performances of LZQT600-3 HCCDIBs meet the actual application requirements of ultra-high pressure hydraulic plunger pump cylinder.

Revealing the atomic mechanism of diamond–iron interfacial reaction

Diamond,with ultrahigh hardness,high wear resistance,high thermal conductivity,and so forth,has attracted worldwide attention.However,researchers found emergent reactions at the interfaces between diamond and ferrous materials,which significantly affects the performance of diamond-based devices.Herein,combing experiments and theoretical calculations,taking diamond–iron(Fe)interface as a prototype,the counter-diffusion mechanism of Fe/carbon atoms has been established.Surprisingly,it is identified that Fe and diamond first form a coherent interface,and then Fe atoms diffuse into diamond and prefer the carbon vacancies sites.Meanwhile,the relaxed carbon atoms diffuse into the Fe lattice,forming Fe_(3)C.Moreover,graphite is observed at the Fe_(3)C surface when Fe_(3)C is over-saturated by carbon atoms.The present findings are expected to offer new insights into the atomic mechanism for diamondferrous material's interfacial reactions,benefiting diamond-based device applications.

Iron regulatory protein 1: the deadly switch of ferroptosis

Ferroptosis,an iron-dependent cell death:Ferroptosis is a type of regulated necrosis,characterized by redox-active iron accumulation and increased free radical production derived by Fenton chemistry,that triggers oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids,loss of cellular membranes integrity,and leakage of intracellular contents.

Diffusion and reaction mechanism of limestone and quartz in fluxed iron ore pellet roasting process

The increase to the proportion of fluxed pellets in the blast furnace burden is a useful way to reduce the carbon emissions in the ironmaking process.In this study,the interaction between calcium carbonate and iron ore powder and the mineralization mechanism of fluxed iron ore pellet in the roasting process were investigated through diffusion couple experiments.Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to study the elements’diffusion and phase transformation during the roasting process.The results indicated that limestone decomposed into calcium oxide,and magnetite was oxidized to hematite at the early stage of preheating.With the increase in roasting temperature,the diffusion rate of Fe and Ca was obviously accelerated,while the diffusion rate of Si was relatively slow.The order of magnitude of interdiffusion coefficient of Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO diffusion couple was 10^(−10) m^(2)·s^(−1) at a roasting temperature of 1200℃for 9 h.Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) was the initial product in the Fe_(2)O_(3)-CaO-SiO_(2) diffusion interface,and then Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5) continued to react with Fe_(2)O_(3) to form CaFe_(2)O_(4).With the expansion of the diffusion region,the sillico-ferrite of calcium liquid phase was produced due to the melting of SiO_(2) into CaFe_(2)O_(4),which can strengthen the consolidation of fluxed pellets.Furthermore,andradite would be formed around a small part of quartz particles,which is also conducive to the consolidation of fluxed pellets.In addition,the principle diagram of limestone and quartz diffusion reaction in the process of fluxed pellet roasting was discussed.

New process for treating boron-bearing iron ore by flash reduction coupled with magnetic separation

Boron is an important industrial raw material often sourced from minerals containing different compounds that cocrystallize,which makes it difficult to separate the mineral phases through conventional beneficiation.This study proposed a new treatment called flash reduction-melting separation(FRMS)for boron-bearing iron concentrates.In this method,the concentrates were first flash-reduced at the temperature under which the particles melt,and the slag and the reduced iron phases disengaged at the particle scale.Good reduc-tion and melting effects were achieved above 1550℃.The B_(2)O_(3) content in the separated slag was over 18wt%,and the B content in the iron was less than 0.03wt%.The proposed FRMS method was tested to investigate the effects of factors such as ore particle size and tem-perature on the reduction and melting steps with and without pre-reducing the raw concentrate.The mineral phase transformation and morphology evolution in the ore particles during FRMS were also comprehensively analyzed.