SUMMARY 71
ferent structures each has different properties and applications, In fervitie gray iron also known as
fully gray iron the sb psists of graphite flakes in an alpha-ferrite matrix.
Pearlitic gray iron has a structure of graphite in a matrix of pearlite, Although still brittle it is
stronger than fully gray iron. Martensitie gray iron is obtained by austenitizing a pearlitic gray iron
and then rapidly quenching it to produce a structure of graphite in a martensite matrix as a result
this cast iron is very hard
4.4.2 Ductile Iron Nodular Iron
In the ductile-iron structure graphite is ina nodular or spheroid form Fig. 4. 7h . This
shape permits the material to be somewhat ductile and shock-resistant, The shape of graphite flakes
um and/or cerium to the molten
is changed into nodules spheres by small additions of m:
metal prior to pouring. * Ductile iron can be made ferritic or pearlitic by heat treatment. It can he
heat treated to obtain altematively a structure of tempered martensite,
4.4.3 White Cast Iron
‘The white-cast-iron structure is very hard wear int and brittle be
large amounts of iron carbide instead of graphite . White cast iron is obt
ned either by cooling gray i=
ton rapidly or by adjusting the composition by keeping the carbon and silicon content low. ‘This type of
cast inon is also called white iron because of the white crystalline appearance of the fracture surface.
4.4.4 Malleable Iron
Malleable iron is obtained by annealing white cast iron in an atmosphere of catbon monoxide
and carbon dioxide at between 800 Cand 900 °C 1470°F and 1650°F for up to several hours
depending on the size of the part. During this process the cementite decomposes dissociates into i-
ron and graphite. The graphite exists as clusters or rosettes. Fig. 4.7e in a ferrite or pearlite matrix
consequently malleable iron has a structure similar to that of nodular iron, ‘This structure promotes
ductility strength and shock resistance hence the term malleable from the Latin malleus can
be hammered
4.4.5 Compacted-Graphite Iron
The graphite in this structure is in the form of short thick and interconnected flakes having undu-
lating surfaces and rounded extremities. ‘The mechanical and physical properties of this cast iron are
intermediate between those of flake-graphite and nodular-graphite cast irons.
SUMMARY
Commercially pure metals generally do not have sufficient strength for many engineering ap-
plications they must be alloyed with various elements which change their structures and properties,