High silicon alloys have experienced a significant growth in the last few years because of their homogeneous structure, very good mechanical properties and the positive behavior of these materials in aggressive environments. However, they show an important disadvantage too due to a tendency in the formation of micro-shrinkage porosities that will compromise the soundness level of the castings.
AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre has carried out a comparative study of several market inoculants to determine the influence of the inoculation process on the reduction of micro porosities with the aim of ensuring the metallurgical quality of the castings. This research work has been carried out at laboratory scale as well as on industrial trials, presenting very similar results in both environments.
Main results obtained with the Thermolan® thermal analysis system |
Analysis of internal porosities of non-inoculated (left) and inoculated samples (right) by means of computerized axial tomography |
Metallographic analysis of non-inoculated (left) and inoculated (right) samples show clearly differentiated graphite shapes and distribution. |
The SEM nucleation study of non-inoculated (left) and inoculated samples (right) shows a better metallurgical quality in the last ones. |
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