The influence of copper on the graphitization behavior of white cast iron

Abstract

<p>A study has been made of the influence of copper on the position of the A321 point of a white cast iron suitable for malleabilizing. This critical temperature is lowered 45°F (with a marked increase in the temperature hysteresis) by three percent of copper;The influence of copper on they malleabilizing tendency, of white cast iron, has been studied quantitatively. The times needed to effect the decomposition of the massive-cementite (primary graphitization) and of the pearlite-cementite (secondary graphitization) have been determined for white cast iron containing varying amounts of copper, carbon and silicon. This research indicates that copper shortens the time needed to decompose the carbide in both stages of graphitization;Photomicrographs are included (in an appendix) showing the influence of copper on the structure of the cast, massive cementite-free and malleabilized white cast iron alloys. These pictures indicate the copper promotes grain refinement of the malleabilized alloys, and that copper raises the carbon content of the iron-copper-carbon eutectoid.</p>