Tomographical Study of the Effect of Graphite on Properties of Cast Iron

Two specimens of cast iron, namely A1 and A2, the size, shape, and interconnectivity of graphite are analyzed using X–ray tomography. The results reveal that the morphology of vermicular graphite is a coral–tree–like. The interconnectivity of A2 specimen is better than A1 specimen. The results also demonstrate that the thermal conductivity of A2 specimen is larger than A1 specimen, whereas the tensile strength of A2 specimen is smaller than A1 specimen. With an increase in temperature, the thermal conductivity of both A1 and A2 specimen increases initially, and then decreases, whereas the tensile strength decreases slightly at first, and then decreases rapidly. Finally, the fracture surfaces of both A1 and A2 specimen are studied.