A study on SiO2 particle erosion of flake graphite and spheroidal graphite cast irons

Types A and D flake graphite cast irons (Fe 3.11 wt.%–C 1.85 wt.%–Si) and spheroidal graphite cast irons of two different nodule distributions (Fe 3.54 wt.%–C 2.48 wt.%–Si), each with ferritic and martensitic matrices, were chosen in conduct SiO2 particle erosion tests in this study (average particle velocity ∼66 m s−1). For the cast irons of the same matrix phase, the results indicated that spheroidal graphite of coarser distribution led to better erosion resistance than finer distribution. Type A flaky graphite led to better erosion resistance than type D and, on the whole, spheroidal graphite led to better erosion resistance than flaky graphite. For those with the same graphite morphology and distribution, ferritic matrix results in less wear loss when eroded under large-angle impact; martensitic matrix results in less wear loss under oblique impact. Brittleness effect of both martensitic matrix and flaky graphite will cause maximum erosion rate to occur at higher impact angles.