Initial stage of isothermal decomposition of austenite to ferrite and graphite in spheroidal graphite cast iron

Abstract

AbstractThe isothermal decomposition of austenite to ferrite and graphite in a spheroidal graphite cast iron was investigated by dilatometry, metallography, and image analysis. The results gave quantitative, although indirect, information on the kinetics of carbon transfer from austenite to graphite, as well as on the kinetics of the austenite to ferrite and graphite transformation. The relationship between the kinetics and the graphite nodule count was highlighted. The incubation period before ferrite growth was found to be associated with a global contraction of the material, in spite of the related increase in the graphite volume fraction. Calculations showed good agreement with experimental results, except for the rate of carbon transfer, which was found to be much slower experimentally than predicted by calculations based on the volume diffusion of carbon. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.