Influence of Silicon on Bainite Transformation in Ductile Iron; Relation to Mechanical Properties

Abstract

ABSTRACTUsing a dilatometer the isothermal transformation of austenite to bainite has been studied in ductile cast iron with 0.05 % Mn and a silicon content varying from 2.4 to 3.8 %. The alloys were austenitized to a carbon content in the matrix of 0.65 %. It appears that silicon retards the formation of carbides in the upper bainite region (400 °C), resulting in an amount of retained austenite up to 40 % present in the final structure at room temperature. Silicon improves the strength; in the lower bainite region the yield strength in particular. An elongation up to 10 % or more is obtained after austempering at 400 0C independent of the silicon content.