Copper in cast iron

Copper improves the hardenability and forces back the ferrite formation. It has a strong effect on the pearlitization which makes the production of an extensive or entire pearlitic cast iron possible. Besides that, the danger of carbide formation does not exist. Due to the fact that already low copper concentrations are an effective diffusion barrier, less than 1% of copper is enough to prevent the appearance of free carbide to a great extent.

Additional references:
GJS
GJL
Pearlitization
Ferrite
Pearlite
Cementite
Graphitization factor
Tensile strength

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Fig. 1. Matrix formation by addition of 0.2% Cu, 500:1, etched
  • Fig. 1. Matrix formation by addition of 0.4% Cu, 500:1, etched
  • Fig. 2. Matrix formation by addition of 0.6% Cu, 500:1, etched
  • Fig. 4. Effect of the pearlite refining by 0.1% Cu-addition, wall thickness 70 mm, 20000:1, etched
  • Fig. 5. Effect of the pearlite refining by 0.6% Cu-addition, wall thickness 70 mm, 20000:1, etched