Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Properties, Wear and Corrosion Characteristics of IS400/12 Grade Ductile Iron Casting

In the present research investigation, ductile iron castings conforming to IS400/12 grade casting were produced using green sand moulds. The castings were produced in a regular production foundry using 1.25T Induction Furnace. The molten metal was subjected to standard desulphurisation and modularisation to get graphite in the nodular form. The molten metal was poured into the sand mould and allowed to solidify. Based on the earlier investigation by the above group the castings were austenitised at 900oC for 120minutes and quenched in a salt bath consisting of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate in the ratio of 55:45 and maintained at 310oC for 120 minutes to bring about austempering treatment. The result in austempered ductile iron will consist of graphite nodules in a matrix of bainite[1,2]. The effect of austempering heat treatment on microstructure, mechanical properties and wear characteristics were studied and compared with the ascast condition. Mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation, hardness and impact strength were determined. Wear tests were carried out to determine the weight loss of specimens; using pin on disc type machine. Wear