Effect of Titanium on Microstructure and Solidification Behavior of Gray Irons

Abstract

This study investigates the microstructure and the solidification behavior of titanium-alloyed gray irons. Thermal analysis technique was used to identify the Temperature of Liquidus Arrest (TLA), the Temperature of Eutectic Undercooling (TEU) and the Temperature of the Eutectic Recalescence (TER). It was found that the titanium addition promoted the formation of the primary austenite causing the larger difference in TLA and TEU. In addition, titanium encouraged the refining of eutectic mixture. The SEM showed the graphite particles were refined with increasing titanium. Fine particles of titanium-containing compound were readily observed throughout the microstructure. The hardness as high as 176 HB was achieved at 0.495%Ti addition.