The Effects of Silicon on the Hardness and Wear of Ferritic Grey Cast Iron on Shoe Brake of Train

Abstract

Grey cast iron has been used for a shoe brake of train due to the enough strength and the low cost. The shoe brake made of cast iron sometimes makes a problem in the operation of the train, because it make the wheel of the train is worn-out. The aim of this research is to find the data of cast iron in accordance with the wear rate and hardness properties by addition of various silicon contents. Cast iron returned (scrap) was melted by induction furnace and then poured into the sand mold of the shoe brake. The 75% ferro silicon was added to make the addition of the silicon content to the melted cast iron. Samples (specimen) of grey cast iron was made with five variation of silicon contents. The composition, hardness, and wear rate test was performed to the each sample. Maximum hardness and wear rate was happened at the cast iron of silicon content of 3.3% Si.