Cast Iron With Vanadium Alloys
Vanadium alloys have been used for centuries to improve the quality of cast iron, and are still being used today. The Vanadium alloy used for cast iron is a combination of iron and between 0.15% and 0.35% of vanadium. These alloys are known to greatly increase the strength of the iron, making it less brittle and giving it greater wear resistance. In addition, vanadium alloys can improve the machinability of the iron, allowing for easier processing and improved finish quality.
The use of vanadium alloys in cast iron goes back to the 1700s, when it was made famous by the founder of the Royal Porcelain Works in France, Nicolas Louis Vauquelin. Vauquelin used vanadium alloys to make porcelain that was far superior to traditional porcelain. He initially used iron alloyed with between 0.1% and 0.2% vanadium, but later increased the amount of vanadium to 0.2% to 0.3%. This discovery helped to revolutionize the porcelain industry.
In the 1800s, another French chemist, Louis Lerebours, conducted research on the effects of vanadium alloys on cast iron. He found that adding between 0.2% and 0.4% of vanadium to surface gray iron significantly improves its resistance to corrosion and abrasion, as well as its hardness and tensile strength. These alloys are now used to produce a wide variety of cast iron items, from patio furniture to automobile parts.
In the early 20th century, with the invention of the Bessemer process for the mass production of steel and the discovery of chromium and nickel alloys, the use of vanadium alloys in cast iron declined. However, due to their superior resistance to wear and corrosion, they remain the alloy of choice for many applications, such as aerospace and defense applications, where wear and corrosion resistance is essential.
Vanadium alloys are also still being used in the automotive industry. In addition to their superior mechanical properties, they also provide high volume resistivity, making them ideal for certain electrical applications. In particular, they are used in starters, alternators, amplifiers, castings, connectors and grounding wires, among other things. Vanadium alloys are also used in various residential and commercial products, such as door hardware, plumbing fixtures and architectural metal casting.
By using vanadium alloys for cast iron, it is possible to produce items of high quality at a relatively low cost. The alloying of iron with between 0.15% and 0.35% vanadium produces a strong and wear-resistant cast iron that has improved machinability and excellent surface finish. Moreover, it is relatively easy to produce, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications. As a result, vanadium alloys continue to be used extensively in the production of various types of castings, as well as in various other applications.
