Analysis of the application potentiality of nodular cast iron ASTM A536 60-40-18 as raw material for thixoforming processes / Estudo da potencialidade da aplicação do ferro fundido nodular ASTM A536 60-40-18 como materia prima para processos de tixoconformação

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

This work analyses the thixoability, the viability of actual production of thixotropic semi-solid of ferritic nodular cast iron ASTM A536 60-40-18, as well as the phase transformations taking place in the process. Thixoability evaluation is made through thermal analysis by Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) tests in different conditions (cycle type and heating/cooling rate), and also through thermodynamic simulations using THERMOCALC® software. Related to these analysis it is evaluated the influence of tests conditions on transformations temperatures and ranges; results are compared to those obtained by simulation. Phase transformations are discussed and a specific phase diagram for the alloy investigated is proposed. Liquid fraction sensitivities with temperature (dFL/dT) are determined, and thixoforming windows are suggested. Results indicate that a thixoforming window in the order of 20°C are available; in this range a eutectic transformation takes place and the liquid fraction can be controlled. Beyond the eutectic temperature liquid fraction increases significantly with temperature variation and processing control can not be assured. Thixoforming windows depend on heat transfer rates: higher the rate, higher the eutectic range and the thixoforming window. To analyse the viability of actually producing thixotropic slurries by partial melting, samples were heated to temperatures within the thixoforming windows previously suggested. Resulting microstructures were analysed by optical and electronic microscopy, X-R diffraction and EDS microanalysis. Results show the feasibility of producing thixotropic semi-solid of the studied nodular iron, in spite of its narrow thixoforming field; treatment temperature influences the size and amount of graphite nodules in the matrix. Higher temperatures can lead to fast dissolution of graphite, jeopardizing the ductility of the material. Thixocast product presents, at room temperature, small nodules of graphite in a martensitic matrix and a complex phase in grain boundaries

ASSUNTO(S)

cast iron thixotropy thermal analysis differential scanning calorimetry microestruturas analise termica tixotropia calorimetria diferencial de varredura ferro fundido microstructures

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

Documentos Relacionados