A Review on Heat Treatment of Cast Iron: Phase Evolution and Mechanical Characterization

Ojo Jeremiah Akinribide, Olasupo Daniel Ogundare, Olanike Mary Oluwafemi, Kelechi Ebisike, Abdulganiyu Kehinde Nageri, Samuel Olukayode Akinwamide, Fehmi Gamaoun, Peter Apata Olubambi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The isothermal heat treatment process has been identified as a unique process of fabricating exceptional graphite cast iron due to its remarkable mechanical properties, such as excellent machinability, toughness, and high level of ultimate tensile strength. Austempered ductile iron (ADI), ductile iron (DI), and gray cast iron (GCI), known as spheroidal cast irons, are viable alternative materials compared to traditional steel casting, as well as aluminum casting. The graphite nodules from the microstructures of DI, ADI, and GCI are consistently encompassed by acicular ferrite and carbon-saturated austenite in the matrix, forming a distinctive ausferritic structure. All these materials are extensively used in the fabrication of engine sleeves, engine blocks, valves, gears, and camshafts in the automobile sector. With relative motion and outward loads, these components are regularly exposed to surface contact. In this project, it was observed that austempering temperature and a shorter holding period could also be used to manufacture needle-like ferrite platelets for austempered ductile iron (ADI) and other graphite cast irons. To overcome the brittleness challenges and catastrophic failures encountered by applied loads in present-day applications, it is essential to comprehend the isothermal treatments, morphological behaviors, phase analyses, processing techniques, and mechanical properties needed to properly incorporate these materials into future designs. This review article provides detailed information on the characterization and relevant potential mechanisms of ADI, DI, and GCI.

Original languageEnglish
Article number7109
JournalMaterials
Volume15
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022

Keywords

  • austempered ductile iron
  • cast irons
  • gray cast iron and ductile irons
  • mechanical properties
  • morphology
  • phase analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Review on Heat Treatment of Cast Iron: Phase Evolution and Mechanical Characterization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this