X-ray imaging of formation and growth of spheroidal graphite in ductile cast Iron

Time-resolved and in-situ observations using synchrotron radiation X-rays were performed to observe solidification of cast iron (CE=4.5, 0.02mass%Mg). Morphology of graphite particles was influenced by specimen holder material. In the Al₂O₃ holder, graphite particles were spheroidal at the beginning and then deviated from the spheroidal shape. In addition, the coupled eutectic solidification of austenite and graphite occurred at the final stage. In contrast, the divorced eutectic solidification, in which graphite particles and austenite dendrites independently grew, was selected until the end of solidification in MgO holder. Spheroidal graphite particles were engulfed by austenite. Consequently, typical microstructure observed in ductile cast iron was reproduced in the in-situ observation. The results suggested that oxygen potential, which was determined by Al₂O₃ or MgO (specimen holder) in the observations, could be an important factor for the selection of eutectic growth mode and graphite morphology.