Microstructure, Hardness, and Toughness Evolution in Nodular Cast Iron under 450°C Quenching and Tempering

Abstract:

This study investigated the evolution of microstructure, hardness, and toughness in nodular cast iron following quenching and tempering at 450°C. The research explored how the heat treatment process impacts these mechanical properties, to identify an optimal balance between hardness and toughness. Untreated nodular cast iron displayed a microstructure comprising ferrite, pearlite, and spheroidal graphite, resulting in moderate hardness (24.33 HRC) and toughness (0.082 J/mm²). Quenching at 850°C, followed by rapid cooling in water, induced the formation of martensite, a hard and brittle phase, which significantly increased hardness to 56.73 HRC but decreased toughness to 0.068 J/mm². Tempering at 450°C transformed the martensite into tempered martensite, reducing hardness to 41.37 HRC while improving toughness to 0.11 J/mm². These findings highlighted the importance of tempering in achieving a better balance between hardness and toughness, making the material suitable for industrial applications requiring both wear resistance and impact durability. The results offered valuable insights for optimizing heat treatment procedures to enhance the performance and durability of nodular cast iron components in various industries.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1138)
• Pages: 39-46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-U0Mc5b
• Online since: December 2024
• Authors: Agung Setyo Darmawan*, Agus Yulianto, Bambang Waluyo Febriantoko, Bibit Sugito, Masyrukan Masyrukan, Abdul Hamid, Turnad Lenggo Ginta
• Keywords: Hardness, Nodular Cast Iron, Quenching, Tempering, Toughness

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