Effect of the Time and Temperature of Isothermal Quenching on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Bainitic Gray Cast Iron

Mechanical properties of copper-alloyed bainitic gray cast iron are studied after isothermal quenching for bainite at different temperatures and holds. The microstructure of the iron is determined by optical and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The hardness, the ultimate strength and the elongation of the cast iron are shown to be dependent on the content of the austenite and on the carbon content in the latter, which are determined by the temperature and duration of the isothermal hold.