Abstract
A series of heavy section ductile cast iron ingots with the cube length of 250mm were systematically investigated as functions of casting parameters of sand casting. Abnormal graphite formation was specially observed with the variation of Si content and Bi or Sb addition. Effects of chilling during casting and adaptation of riserless system were also examined, and proved to be effective for the prevention of both shrinkage and abnormal graphite such as chunky one. The formation of chunky graphite was effectively prevented by low Si content despite the promotion of pearlite matrix structure. The ferritic matrix was encouraged to form by high Si content and chunky graphite formation was effectively suppressed by the addition of Bi and Sb. Bi addition, however, was not good enough to control the microstructure owing to the sensitive cooling rate dependent inoculation behavior and relative low ability of nodulization. Sb addition, on the other hand, was proved to be effective for the microstructural control and enhancement of various mechanical properties such as strength, elongation, and impact energy. It may be suggested that optimized casting parameters should be applied to produce heavy section ductile cast iron with reliability.
