Effect of graphite nodule diameter on water embrittlement of austempered ductile iron

Effects of graphite nodule diameter on the water embrittlement of austempered ductile iron (ADD is studied. The water embrittlement mechanism is discussed. Due to water adhesion, local embrittlement occurs on the surface of ADI specimen, resulting in early fracture and significant reduction in tensile strength and elongation. The water embrittlement is the cracking of stress induced martensite formed during tensile deformation caused by hydrogen diffusion decomposed from water and as a result tensile strength and elongation of ADI are remarkably reduced. The segregation of alloying elements in ductile iron is weakened with decreasing nodule diameter, reducing the residual austenite in grain boundaries, then decreasing the amount of stress induced martensite during tensile plastic deformation and finally restraining ADI water embrittlement.