The Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Iron with Vermicular Graphite

Abstract

Austempered vermicular-graphite iron seem to be a perspective material because of its promising mechanical properties. These properties are strongly affected by parameters of applied heat treatment. Different heat treatment conditions (austenitizing dwell time, isothermal temperature and isothermal dwell) were varied and their effect on the structure and mechanical properties was evaluated and described. Properly selected heat treatment conditions lead to formation of ausferritic matrix with which is responsible for substantial increase in mechanical strength while maintaining sufficient ductility.