Some chemical and physical changes of molten irons by holding it at 1350∼1400° after treated at 1400° with 0.9% Mg in the from of Mg-Si-Cu-Fe-Al alloy containing 20% Mg were examined by using cast specimens in dry sand mould 14 mm in diameter. Irons treated with the magnesium alloy with chlorides, or with fluorides, or with oxides, were also experimentally discussed.
The spheroidization of graphite was accompanied by the alloying of magnesium as well as deoxidation, desulphurization and decarburization. The disintegration of the spheroidal form was accompanied by resulphurization and recarburization from the slag into the iron. At the maximum of recarburization, the effect of magnesium was almost lost and the microstructure became eutectic with ferrite.
With the longer holding time, decarburization was again seen due to the oxidation of the molten iron and the microstructure became flaky graphite with pearlite. When chlorides, fluorides or oxides were used with the magnesium alloy, the spheroidizing effects decreased.
The slag formed instantly at the magnesium-addition was simillar to the calcium-carbide slag formed during the reducing period in Héroult electric furnace except that magnesium in the former was acting as a substitute for calcium in the latter. Accordingly, the adequate molten iron which easily caused the spheroidization of graphite by magnesium-addition must, at least, be such iron as the magnesium-carbide slag haveing strong reducing action which may easily be formed.
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