Abstract
The highly heterogeneous microstructure of ductile iron in casting includes graphite particles, non-metallic inclusions, microporosity, and other features, such as carbides distributed in the ferrite–pearlite matrix. Determination and comprehensive quantification of microstructural features are practically important however challenging. An advanced methodology based on an automated SEM/EDX analysis was developed and compared to the standard optical imaging method. In addition to backscattered electron contrast, sensitive to atomic number, a novel methodology added EDX data to identify and classify the multiple structural features at micron resolution thresholding. To quantify the shape of individual phases, the eight chord raster algorithms was used and compared to standard metrology based on Feret diameter. A micropattern with regular shapes and the real microstructure of ductile irons with different boron concentrations and in section sizes from 5 to 30 mm were used for comparative studies. The advantages of this novel methodology were statistically proven.
Recommended Citation
C. Schroeder et al., "A Novel Technique for Improved Measurement of Graphite and Inclusions in Ductile Iron Contaminated by Boron," International Journal of Metalcasting, Springer, Jan 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-025-01696-3
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
automated SEM/EDX analysis; cast iron; graphite shape; microstructure; nodularity
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2163-3193; 1939-5981
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2025
