Effects of aluminum and copper on the graphite morphology, microstructure, and compressive properties of ductile iron

H. Sazegaran, F. Teimoori, H. Rastegarian, A.M. Naserian-Nik
2021 Journal of Mining and Metallurgy. Section B: Metallurgy  
The effect of aluminum (0, 2, 4, and 6 wt. %) and copper (0, 2, 4, and 6 wt. %) are investigated on graphite morphology, microstructure and compressive behavior of ductile iron specimens manufactured by sand casting technique. The graphite morphology and microstructure are evaluated using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped image processing software. To study the mechanical properties, the compression test is conducted on the ductile iron specimens. The
more » ... s indicate the surface fraction and nodule count of graphite decrease by increasing the amount of aluminum from 0 to 2 wt. % and then, increasing from 2 to 6 wt. %. In addition, the nodularity of graphite increases by the increment of the aluminum amounts. By adding the amount of copper, the surface fraction and nodule count of graphite increase and nodularity of graphite decreases. The addition of aluminum and copper decreases the surface fraction of ferrite and increases the surface fraction of pearlite in the microstructure. By increasing the amounts of aluminum and copper, compressive stress vs. strain curves are shifted upwards, and modulus of elasticity, yield strength, maximum compressive stress and fracture strain improve. In comparison with copper, aluminum has a greater influence on the mechanical properties of ductile iron.
doi:10.2298/jmmb191224006s fatcat:jfyilk5ufvez5pke7ftpweumai