Influence of graphite nodules on the particles erosion of spheroidal graphite cast irons

The influence of graphite nodules on the normal angle erosion of the spheroidal graphite cast irons with four different matrices, namely ferrite, upper bainite, lower bainite and martensite, was investigated. The results indicate that, in the range investigated (10–15 area pet), graphite nodules (with variations in area percent and size) did not exert any influence in the irons with ferrite or upper bainite matrix. However, in the case of the spheroidal graphite cast iron with martensitic matrix, both increasing area percent and decreasing diameter of graphite nodules did in fact raise the erosion rate; moreover, those cast in metal molds consistently experienced higher erosion rate than those cast in sand molds. For the irons with a lower bainite matrix, increasing the amount of graphite nodules raises the erosion rate for those cast in sand molds, but did not affect the erosion rate for those cast in metal molds; furthermore, the erosion rate of the sanded-molded irons was consistently higher than their metal molded counterparts. The different roles of graphite nodules on the erosion rates of the spheroidal graphite cast irons are discussed.