Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Wear-Resistant As-Cast Alloyed Bainite Ductile Iron

An as-cast bainite ductile iron with excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance was fabricated by alloying and centrifugal casting method, and the alloyed chemical composition was optimized by using the thermodynamic software Thermo-Calc. By using optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, the microstructure of the as-fabricated bainite ductile cast iron was characterized pertinent to the elements distribution in matrix and features of ferrite and retained austenite. The results of mechanical properties test show that the hardness and compressive strength of this alloyed ductile iron are 52 HRC and 2,200 MPa, respectively. The ascast bainite ductile iron possesses highly abrasive wear resistance and the reason can be ascribed to the solid solution of the elements Si, Ni, Cu, and Mn in the austenite and the formation of carbides of elements Cr and Mo. The strength of bainite ductile iron is increased by the acicular bainitic ferrite in the matrix.