Retained austenite phase in (26.5%Cr, 2.6%C) white cast iron studied by means of CEMS and Eddy current

High chrome white irons are specifically employed in the mining industry for their resistance to wear. More cost-effective materials are constantly being sought, due to the high wear rate of the drilling components, which is a high cost area for this industry. Optimum resistance to wear is often not the main criterion of material selection but parameters such as ease of fabrication; availability and low initial cost have also to be accounted for. A correctly heat-treated high chrome white iron of a right chemical composition presents the best hardness and toughness combination [1]. A (26.5 wt.% Cr, 2.6 wt.% C) white iron has been produced by casting and heat-treating. As the retained austenite phase has the ability to harden, the control of its content may result in tuning the applications of this material. Various heat-treatments were given to the above-mentioned material to achieve a spread of austenite values. The retained austenite phase amount was measured by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Conversion Electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and Eddy current techniques. A linear correlation between results from Eddy Current and CEMS, Eddy-current and XRD, and between those from CEMS and XRD was observed. As the nominal abundance values were "technique dependent", their conversion will be discussed. The present study results in the calibration of the Eddy current apparatus and suggests its application in the casting industry during mass production for the retained austenite content determination in high chrome white iron castings.