Study on nucleation and growth of nodular graphite particles in ductile cast iron

Three commercial ductile cast iron heats were studied. The same base metal and nodularization alloy were used. Each of the heats was made with different inoculants. The weight percentage of inoculant and nodularization alloy were respectively 1.0% and 1.3%. The nucleation and growth of the nodular graphite particles were studied. Several complementary techniques for microstructural analysis were used, such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was observed the growth sequence of spheroid nodular graphite particles, demonstrating the formation of complex silicates rich in aluminium, calcium and barium around the core, creating a supportive interface to the heterogeneous solidification of graphite from these particles larger than the critical radius. (author)