Effect of austenitization temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of low-carbon-equivalent carbidic austempered ductile iron

The wear resistances of austempered ductile iron (ADI) were improved through introduction of a new phase (carbide) into the matrix by addition of chromium. In the present investigation, low-carbon-equivalent ductile iron (LCEDI) (CE = 3.06%, and CE represents carbon- equivalent) with 2.42% chromium was selected. LCEDI was austenitized at two different temperatures (900 and 975°C) and soaked for 1 h and then quenched in a salt bath at 325°C for 0 to 10 h. Samples were analyzed using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Wear tests were carried out on a pin-on-disk-type machine. The effect of austenization temperature on the wear resistance, impact strength, and the microstructure was evaluated. A structure–property correlation based on the observations is established.