The Effects of Certain Processing Technologies on the Cavitation Erosion of Lamellar Graphite Pearlitic Grey Cast Iron

Lamellar graphite pearlitic grey cast irons are frequently used in the manufacturing of components that operate under cavitation erosion conditions. Their poor performance regarding cavitation erosion limits their use in intense cavitation environments. The physical modification of the surface layer offers a flexible and cost-effective way to combat cavitation attacks without altering the core properties. This paper comparatively analyzes the effects of four technological processing methods on the cavitation erosion resistance of grey cast irons. Cavitation erosion tests were conducted on a vibrating device with piezoceramic crystals in accordance with the ASTM G32-2016 standard. Surface hardness tests were carried out using a Vickers hardness tester, while roughness measurements were performed using a Mitutoyo device. The microstructures generated by the applied technologies and the surface wear mechanisms were analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the TIG local surface remelting process provides the most significant improvement in cavitation erosion resistance.