Control of graphite formation in solidification of white cast iron

Abstract

Graphite formation should be strictly suppressed for the most abrasion resistant white cast irons, since austenite (γ)+graphite eutectic structure shows lower hardness and selectively wears thus deteriorates the abrasion resistance even though the austenite transform to hard phase such as martensite. On the other hand, a small amount of fine graphite is desired to distribute in rolls for hot steel mills to suppress the scoring. However, strong carbide formers such as Cr, V, Nb have been increasingly added to rolls, in order to crystallise more harder carbides. As γ+carbide eutectic grows, the residual liquid among eutectic cells becomes poor in carbide formers and rich in elements which promote graphite formation. Therefore an appropriate alloy design is essential for the hot steel milling rolls. In this study, the graphite formation mechanisms are discussed for chromium cast iron, high speed steel type cast iron and Ni hard type cast iron.