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Abstract
An understanding of the kinetics of transformation during austenitization, cooling, and austempering of ductile iron is critical to achieving the desired microstructures and ultimately mechanical properties in austempered ductile iron (ADI). To this end, dilatometry experiments have been carried out to study the austenitization and cooling behavior of an unalloyed ductile iron. When a typical austenitization temperature of 900°C is used, unlike in steels, there is an initial expansion of the specimen, which levels off as the soaking time is increased. This occurs despite the fact that the temperature remains constant. This phenomenon, hitherto unreported, highlights the subtle differences between the austenitization of ductile irons and steels. The initial expansion is attributed to the increase in austenite lattice parameter, arising from the diffusion of carbon from the graphite nodules. The levelling off signals the saturation of austenite with carbon and can therefore be used as an indicator of the appropriate austenitization time. Studies of the cooling behavior of unalloyed ductile iron have also shown that the dilatometer can be used as a tool for determining the minimum cooling rates, which guarantee the formation of ausferrite during austempering. When ductile iron is appropriately heat-treated based on results from dilatometry studies, the mechanical properties obtained are typically superior and consistent.