Effects of inoculation and solidification rate on the thermal conductivity of grey cast iron

Abstract

Laser flash technique has been used to evaluate the thermal conductivity of pearlitic grey cast iron solidified at three distinct cooling rates. Ten different heats were performed with various inoculation treatments. Influences of fraction primary phase and eutectic cell diameter have been revealed by colour etching. SEM studies have been accomplished in order to investigate the graphite morphology of the examined materials. The thermal conditions during solidification together with the inoculation strongly affect the thermal conductivity of grey iron. In general, a more powerful inoculation increases the thermal conductivity. Increased fractions of primary solidified dendrites lower the ability to transfer heat. Small amounts of titanium increase the thermal conductivity of grey cast iron considerably. The results show that maximum thermal conductivity is achieved at moderate cooling rates.