Crystallization of Intermetallic Phases Fe2Si, Fe5Si3 for High Alloyed Cast Irons

Abstract

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests related to high-alloy silicon cast iron (HSCI). These materials are corrosion-resistant and commonly used in cathodic protection systems as protective electrodes. Due to their high fragility, alloys with increased Si content are not suitable for producing elements exposed to dynamic loads. This paper analyzes the crystallization process of silicon alloys (with Si content between 23% and 25%) using thermal and derivation analysis methods. The tests also included an extended analysis of chemical composition. The metallographic tests included scanning electron microscopy with an EDS system, and the phase composition was determined using X-ray diffraction. As a result of the tests, the warp components were identified, the primary share of which are intermetallic phases of the Fe5Si3 type. Moreover, single silicon crystals were found. The test results allowed for clarification of the temperature range of the transition of the Fe2Si phase into the Fe5Si3 phase and the determination of characteristic points of the crystallization process (TSolidus i TLiquidus). Furthermore, bifilm-type inclusions were identified in the alloys. We also managed to present the silicon crystals and Fe5Si3 phases in a spatial layout via observation of the surfaces of contraction cavities using scanning electron microscopy.