Mechanical Properties of Pearlitic Cast Iron According to Japan Standard
Introduction
Cast iron is a widely used material in industry due to its high strength and low cost. It is known as a brittle material, and while it has high strength, it is also very fragile and can fracture easily. However, with the development of microstructure and chemical composition, a higher form of cast iron known as pearlite cast iron is available and has properties that can closely approach those of steel. This type of cast iron has great potential for industrial use and is used in various applications such as pumps, valves and engine components due to its high strength and good wear resistance. This paper examines the mechanical properties of the Pearlitic Cast Iron according to the Japanese standard.
Chemical Composition
Pearlitic cast iron is an alloy with a high carbon content, allowing for increased mechanical strength and hardness. The chemical composition of the Pearlitic Cast Iron according to Japan Standard is 0.15 % to 0.40 % of C, 1.0 % to 2.5 % of Si, 0.20 % to 0.50 % of Mn, and 0.2 % to 0.8 % of Ni, 0.01 % to 0.03 % of P, 0.01 % to 0.03 % of S, 0.01 % to 0.03 % of Cr, and 0.15 % to 0.30 % of Mo.
Microstructure
The microstructure of the Pearlitic Cast Iron according to the Japanese standard consists of 30 % to 50 % of pearlite and the rest of proeutectoid ferrite, martensite and cementite. Pearlite is a structure consisting of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite, giving it unique properties such as hardness, strength, and resistance to wear. In addition, Pearlite can also increase shock and fatigue strength. Furthermore, Pearlite also increases the casting ability of the alloy.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
The physical and mechanical properties of Pearlitic Cast Iron according to the Japanese standard are shown in Table 1. The density of Pearlitic Cast Iron is 7.85 g/cm³ and it has a hardness of ∼228 HV and a Brinell hardness of ∼380 BHN. The tensile strength and yield strength of Pearlitic Cast Iron is up to 420 MPa and 400 MPa, respectively. It also has a good ductility, with an elongation of 14 % - 18 %. Furthermore, Pearlitic Cast Iron Retains its strength and hardness even at high temperatures, making it suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as engine components. Additionally, the Pearlitic Cast Iron has excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for use in applications where wear resistance is a must.
Table 1: Physical and mechanical properties of Pearlitic Cast Iron according to the Japanese standard
Conclusion
Pearlitic Cast Iron has great potential for industrial use due to its excellent combination of strength and wear resistance. The Pearlitic Cast Iron according to the Japanese standard has a good combination of chemical composition and microstructure, allowing for high levels of strength and wear resistance. The physical and mechanical properties of the Pearlitic Cast Iron are good and can be used in various applications such as pumps, valves, and engine components.
