The role of graphite morphology and matrix structure on low frequency thermal cycling of cast irons

Low frequency thermal cycling tests were carried out on four types of cast iron (viz., austempered. ductile iron, pearlitic ductile iron, compacted/vermicular graphite iron and grey cast iron) at predetermined ranges of thermal cycling temperatures. The specimens were unconstrained. Results show that austempered ductile iron has the highest thermal cycling resistance, followed by pearlitic ductile iron and compacted graphite iron, while grey cast iron exhibits the lowest resistance. Microstructural analysis of test specimens subjected to thermal cycling indicates that matrix decomposition and grain growth are responsible for the reduction in hardness while graphite oxidation, de-cohesion and grain boundary separation are responsible for the reduction in the modulus Of elasticity upon thermal cycling.