Effect of Aluminum, Copper and Manganese on the Structure and Properties of Cast Irons

Abstract

The effect of aluminum, copper and manganese on the structure, mechanical and tribotechnical properties of cast irons is studied. Cast irons of three types (aluminum-alloyed, aluminum- and copper-alloyed, and aluminum-, copper- and manganese-alloyed ones) are obtained by casting into sand-liquid-glass molds. The structure of the iron containing aluminum and copper acquires nanosize particles of phase ε-Cu promoting increase in the hardness and strength of the material. Alloying with aluminum, copper and manganese yields a structure where pearlite is accompanied by microvolumes of martensite and retained austenite. Particles of ε-Cu are detectable both within the colonies of lamellar pearlite and inside martensite crystals. The presence of martensite in the structure of the cast iron raises its wear resistance.