Effect of sub-zero cooling on microstructure and mechanical properties of a low alloyed austempered ductile iron

The effect of sub-zero cooling on microstructure and mechanical properties of a low alloyed austempered ductile iron has been investigated. Austempering of samples was performed at 325! and 400℃ after austenitizing at 875℃ and 950℃. The sub-zero treatments were carried out by cooling down the samples to -30℃, -70℃ and -196℃. The changes in volume fraction of austenite and mechanical properties were determined after cooling to each temperature. The austenite volume fraction of samples which were austenitized at 875℃ and austempered at 325℃ remained unchanged, whilst it reduced in samples austenitized at 950℃ and 875℃ for austempering temperature of 400℃. In these specimens, some austenite transformed to martensite after subzero cooling. Mechanical property measurements showed a slight increase in strength and hardness and decrease in elongation and toughness due to this transformation behavior.