Thermophysical Properties of Thin Walled Compacted Graphite Iron Castings

Abstract

The thermal conductivity, diffusivity and specific heat were investigated in thin walled compacted graphite iron castings. The research was conducted for thin-walled iron castings with a 3-mm wall thickness. This study addresses the effect of cooling rate and of titanium additions on the exhibited microstructure and thermophysical parameters of thin-walled compacted graphite iron (TWCI) castings as determined by changing the molding media (silica sand and insulating sand LDASC), and Ferro Titanium. The tested material represents the occurrence of graphite in the shape of nodules, flakes (C and D types) and compacted graphite with a different shape factor and percent nodularity. Thermophysical parameters have been evaluated by the laser flash technique in a temperature range of 22–600°C. The results show that the cooling rates together with the titanium content largely influence the microstructure, graphite morphology and finally thermophysical properties of thin walled castings.