MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AMERICAN STANDARD ANTIWEAR WHITE CAST IRON
Introduction
American Standard Anti-wear White Cast Iron (AWC) is a type of gray cast iron, created through a special metallurgical process. As its name implies, this type of cast iron has superior wear resistance compared to other types of gray cast irons. The wear resistance characteristics are due to a microstructure containing white (or tempered) graphite particles interconnected by a continuous eutectic matrix of ferrite/pearlite. This structure gives the material a higher hardness and better resistance to abrasive wear than regular gray cast iron.
The application of AWC depends largely on its mechanical properties, including strength, hardness, and wear resistance. In this article, we will discuss the mechanical properties of American Standard Anti-wear White Cast Iron with respect to their application.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of AWC depend largely on its chemical composition and microstructure. From a chemical point of view, AWC is composed of carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. The addition of manganese helps to increase the strength of the material, while phosphorus and sulfur are used to promote graphitization. The microstructure of AWC can be altered further by the addition of alloying elements such as nickel or chromium, or by the use of different heat treatment processes.
The strength of AWC is primarily determined by its hardness. Generally speaking, AWC has a higher tensile strength than regular gray cast iron due to its unique microstructure. The hardness of AWC can be further altered by alloying elements or heat treatment. The hardening effects of nickel and chromium, for example, can increase the hardness and tensile strength of the material.
The wear resistance of AWC also depends on its chemical composition and microstructure. AWC is composed of graphite flakes which serve as tiny shock absorbers, allowing the material to withstand abrasive wear without fail. The continuous eutectic matrix of ferrite/pearlite gives AWC a high degree of impact resistance.
Conclusion
American Standard Anti-wear White cast iron has a number of mechanical properties that make it suitable for certain applications. The chemical composition and microstructure of AWC give it superior hardness, strength and wear resistance. The graphite flakes provide impact resistance and the harder alloying elements provide further hardening effects. By utilizing the unique mechanical properties of AWC, engineers can create effective engineering solutions for a wide range of applications.
