Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of as-cast chromium-containing ductile iron

This study explores the effect of chromium carbide (Cr 3 C 2 ) addition in ductile iron (DI). By incorporating 4 and 8 wt.% Cr 3 C 2 , the researchers investigated the formation of iron-chromium-carbide phases in DI. The alloy compositions were selected based on the vertical section of the Fe-C-Si-Mn-Cr phase diagram. Microstructure analysis revealed that increasing Cr 3 C 2 led to higher pearlite and smaller graphite nodules due to M 3 C and M 7 C 3 carbide formation. Notably, the 8 wt.% Cr 3 C 2 alloy exhibited the best hardness (480 HV 30 ), elastic modulus (256 GPa), wear resistance (the lowest wear rate of 2.61 × 10 −5 mm 3 /Nm), and ultimate tensile strength (834 MPa), highlighting the significant potential of Cr 3 C 2 in enhancing DI's mechanical properties for various industrial applications.