Pearlitic Ductile Cast Iron: mechanical properties gradient analysis in graphite elements

Abstract

Ductile Cast Irons (DCIs) are able to combine a good versatility and high performances with a low cost, especially if compared to steels with analogous performances. For these reasons, although these grades have been relatively recently developed, DCIs applications are more frequent. Analyzing the damaging micromechanisms in static, quasi-static or cyclic conditions, the analysis of the role played by the graphite elements is not univocal. Sometimes, they are considered as voids embedded in a more or less ductile matrix, sometimes they are considered as a soft but homogeneous material. In this work, the role played by the graphite nodules in pearlitic grains is reviewed and their mechanical properties are investigated by means of nanohardness tests.