Derivation and Application for Calculation of Carbon Content in Austenitizing of Cast Iron

In this paper, a formula for the calculation of carbon content during austenitizing of cast iron was deduced, considering the effect of silicon content. According to this formula, carbon content of austenite at a certain austenization temperature for a cast iron with given composition can be easily calculated, and the austenization temperature for getting the expected carbon content in the austenite can also be determined. Besides, according to the relationship between austenization temperature T_x and the according carbon content C_ax, and considering the effect of silicon content, the carbon content of the austenite in the commonly used cast iron during heat treatment was calculated. The formula can be as a theoretical basis for determined austenization temperature and carbon content in austenite during heat treatment of cast iron, in particular, can play an important role in heat treatment of austempered ductile iron. Keywords: cast iron heat treatment; diffusion of carbon; carbon content in austenite