Austenite formation from spheroidite and pearlite in spheroidal graphite cast iron was studied using a rapid heating technique. Linear analysis and point counting on the quenched structure were carried out. The observed isothermal growth rate
G of austenite is expressed as
Gt=8.0×10
−5cm/s at upper temperatures in the eutectoid transformaion region. Changes in
G during transformation exceed two orders of magnitude. Activation energies for austenite growth are 68,500 and 260,000cal/mol respectively at upper and lower temperatures of eutectoid transformation. A suggested rate-determining mechanism includes diffusion of such alloying atoms as Cu at higher temperatures but not of carbon. The mechanism at lower temperatures includes the disintegration rate of cementite to ferrite. Assuming segregation of Cu atoms to the ferrite/austenite interface, the magnitude and remarkable time dependence of austenite growth rate are explained by a continuous change of carbon content in austenite. Austenite nucleates preferentially at the junction of carbides and ferrite grain boundaries of spheroidite and at pearlite colony intersections. Substantial grain refinement of two-phase mixed matrix structure is achieved for the cast iron with ferrite or pearlite colony further refined.
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