Letter to the editors

Abstract

Criticism has been expressed of an article dedicated to the mechanism of generating spherical graphite in cast iron. The following factors were referred to as decisive elements of this mechanism, high overcooling; a low linear rate of the graphite crystal growth due to the addition of spheroidizing elements; a build up of these elements close to the crystallization front. No actual evidence was given to support the hypothesis put forward. As part of the criticism home and foreign theories are discussed concerning the mechanism of graphite spheroidization in cast iron and the results of our own comprehensive studies. Spheroidizing elements are shown not only to favour spheroidization but to take an action part in the process.