Microstructure and mechanical properties of copper alloyed austempered grey cast iron

Abstract

ABSTRACT Austempered grey cast iron (AGI) has emerged as a major engineering material in recent years because of its attractive mechanical properties. The main aim of this investigation is to assess the mechanical properties of copper alloyed AGI. Alloyed grey cast iron specimens are subjected to austempering heat treatment at six different temperatures for four different time periods. The resulting microstructures have been evaluated and characterised by means of light microscope and scanning electron microscope and X-Ray diffraction analysis. The microstructural features of AGI such as austenite content and its carbon content have been also found to influence the hardness, tensile properties and elongation. Both duration of the austempering time and the austempering temperature affect the mechanical properties of AGI. The hardness, tensile strength and ductility initially increase, and thereafter it decreases on longer periods of austempering. On the other hand hardness, tensile strength decreases as increasing austempering temperature, while ductility increases. The best combination of hardness 380BHN and strength 332\u2005MPa; observed at 927°C of austenitising and 260°C of austempering temperature for 60\u2005min.