Carburization Efficiency of Bamboo Charcoal into Molten Cast Iron

Abstract

  Bamboo is promising source of unused biomass because it is abundantly distributed in Japan, and it grows quickly. However, in recent years, unmaintained bamboo thickets are increasing and damage caused by animals are becoming problems for regional communities. In this study, we examined the feasibility of using bamboo charcoal in the foundry industry by using bamboo charcoal made from bamboo discharged during the maintenance of bamboo thickets s a carburizer for molten cast iron.

  The effect of grain size of bamboo charcoal on the carburization efficiency of molten cast iron was investigated. Bamboo charcoal was sifted out, and those with a long side greater than 30mm were considered large grains, those between 5.6mm (4mesh) to 30mm medium grains, and those between 2.4mm (8mesh) to 5.6mm small grains. The carburization efficiency for each grain size of bamboo charcoal was investigated by adding them to molten cast iron held at 1450℃ ± 10℃. The results showed that carburization efficiency was highest for medium grains of bamboo charcoal, with a carburization efficiency of 81% for that of electrode graphite shavings in 30minutes. Furthermore, adding bamboo charcoal did not cause a significant increase in sulfur and nitrogen, and any graphite degenerations in cast iron.

  These results indicate that bamboo charcoal discharged during the maintenance of bamboo thickets can be used as a carburizer for molten cast iron.