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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,

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