Microstructure and Properties of Ductile Iron and Compacted Graphite Iron Castings

This book provides an overview of the surface effects at the interface boundary of metal/sand moulds, and their influence on the surface quality, microstructure and mechanical and anticorrosive properties of high-quality cast iron. It explores utilitarian aspects of the production of high-quality cast iron castings, including thin-walled castings of high-quality cast iron alloys, and examines problems related to the determination of moulding sands and reclaim quality, and their influence on castings.

Presenting new material, this book takes into account the influence of metal quality, pouring temperature, solidification time, the quality of moulding sand with the reclaim application, as well the  binders of moulding sands, on the formation of the degenerated graphite near surface layers. It also employs the latest research methods, such as a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer (WDS) analysis and thermodynamic calculations, which were carried out on the reactions occurring in the study area.

Providing a valuable resource to academics and researchers interested in materials science, metal casting and metallurgy, this book is also intended for metal industry professionals.

Mariusz Holtzer Ph.D. Eng., graduated from the Jagiellonian University from the Chemistry Department, and for 40 years has worked at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, AGH - University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. Currently, full professor position. His main areas of interest in this period have concerned the following issues: physical chemistry of metallurgical and foundry phenomenon on the border of the liquid metal - ceramic material, the construction of metallurgical slags, issues related to limiting the negative impact on the environment foundry: waste management of foundry processes, new binders for the molding and core sands, hazard evaluation of materials used in foundry. Prof. M. Holtzer is the author and co-author of about 250 publications in recognized international journals, seven academic books, 15 patents and patent applications. He is the author of monographs 'Metallurgical and foundry processes of iron alloys: Physicochemical fundamentals'.

Marcin Górny, Ph.D. D. Sc. Eng., Associate Professor employed at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. Author of over a hundred papers and the monography. His papers were published in Poland, China, USA, Great Britain, Germany, Croatia, Japan, India and others. His research activities are focused in the following areas: a) Cast irons; b) Cast composites, c) Solidification of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys; d) Thin wall castings; e) Technology of production of casted elements; f) Thermodynamics of casting processes. He has participated in more than 20 industrial and scientific projects, and elaborated technology for several Polish foundries. As a Principal investigator he leaded two research projects respecting innovative thin wall  ductile and compacted graphite cast iron technology, and the influence of moulding sands thermodynamic properties on the solidification characterization. In 2012 his research activity was awarded by the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers in the form of the British Foundry Medal. In 2004 he was awarded  in the frames of  NATO Science Fellowship Programme.
Rafal Danko, Ph.D. D. Sc. Eng., Associate Professor employed at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland. His research activities are focused in the following areas: a) Topics related to the design and tests of foundry machines and equipment; b) Problems related to the processes of thermal and mechanical reclamation of used moulding sands; c) Model testing of mould and core production by means of blowing methods; d) Model testing of strength properties of moulding and core sands; e) Advanced methods of the assessment of quality of moulding and core sands; f) Study of the die casting process; g) Study of the dust granulation process; h) Topics related to the environmental protection problems in the foundry industry. He has participated in 34 scientific and industrial projects, and is author and co-author of 197 scientific papers published in Poland, China, USA, Great Britain, Germany, Croatia, Lithuania, and 5 books published in Poland, as well as co-author of 8 patent and patent applications concerning the foundry machines and processes.