Effect of copper on the thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and machinability of gray cast iron

Abstract

1. Copper markedly increases the thermal conductivity of acast iron as a result of which there is an increase in its wear resistance and machinability. 2. Under thermal cycling conditions copper separates in the form of a thin film at the cast iron surface and also preferentially at other interphase surfaces of the metal which gives it a positive role. 3. To a greater extent than for nickel, copper reduces the tendency of cast iron towards cementite formation at the surface, which makes it possible to alloy it with increased amounts of carbide-forming elements (Cr, Mn, V). 4. As a result of additional alloying with copper it is possible to exclude entirely scarce and expensive nickel from wear-resistant highly alloyed cast irons.