Determination of susceptibility of cast iron with a predetermined chemical composition to shape properties and microstructure through bainitic transformation

Abstract

The problem of nanostructuring cast iron is hardly ever reported on scientific reports. Most of the research is undertaken in terms of steel nanostructurization. Bhadeshia states that to obtain a fragmented matrix of steel, the carbon content in the matrix must be at the level of 0.6% C. It should be noted that the carbon in the ferrite-pearlite matrix meets this condition, because the content of this element in the matrix is within the range of 0.7-0.9%. The authors of this work have attempted to evaluate the ability to shape the properties and microstructure of ductile cast iron as a result of not fully completed bainitic transformation, compared to the standard process of obtaining ADI cast iron. The tested material was characterized by a higher degree of alloying elements compared to the basic chemical composition of ADI cast iron. The aim of the work was to maximize the fragmentation of the cast iron microstructure by selecting a low temperature of isothermal transformation, i.e. 40C above Ms temperature in the lower bainite range. The JMatPro program was used to determine the isothermal transformation temperature. Heat-treated cast iron was subjected to dilatometer tests to compare the results obtained from the computer program, microstructure research and hardness tests. Heat-treated cast iron was subjected to dilatometer tests to compare the results obtained from the computer program, microstructure research and hardness tests.