Solidification Pattern of Si-Alloyed, Inoculated Ductile Cast Irons, Evaluated by Thermal Analysis

Abstract

The solidification cooling curve itself as well as its first derivative, and related temperatures, reported to the calculated equilibrium temperatures in stable and metastable solidification systems, are used to predict the solidification characteristics of the cast iron. Silicon, as the most representative cast iron element, and inoculation, as graphitizing metallurgical treatment, have a major influence on the transition from the liquid to the solid state. Six experimental programs are performed, with Si content typically for non-alloyed (Xi stable system (15–20 °C) than in the metastable system (5–10 °C), comparing with their calculation based only on a Si effect (Fe-C-Si system). The highest positive effect of inoculation is visible in non-Si alloyed cast irons (2.5% Si): 9–15 °C for the eutectic reaction and 3 to 4 times increased at the end of solidification (37–47 °C). Increased Si content decreases inoculation power to 7–9 °C for low alloying grade (up to 3.5% Si), with the lowest contribution at more than 4.5% Si (0.3–2.0 °C). 2.5–3.5% Si ductile cast irons are more sensitive to high solidification undercooling, especially at the end of solidification (but with a higher efficiency of inoculation), compared to 4.5–5.5% Si ductile cast irons, at a lower undercooling level, and at lower inoculation contribution, as well.

Keywords

• ductile cast iron
• solidification
• eutectic reaction
• end of solidification
• stable system
• metastable system