Ferrite

Designation for the cubic body-centered γ solid-solution in the Fe-C system (s. Iron-carbon phase diagram).

Since the carbon solubility rate in the α solid solution is very low (only 0.00001 %), ferrite corresponds to almost pure iron with a relatively low hardness. Figures 1 to 2 show the ferritic matrix of nodular graphite cast iron.

Moreover, ceramic compounds of complex oxides with ferro-magnetic properties are also referred to as ferrite; however, differentiation is made between hard magnetic ferrite and soft magnetic ferrite, depending on their crystal structure. Fe2O3 in combination with the oxide of a metal is used for production of aerial rods (zinc ferrite), storage cores, and control elements (manganese ferrite) or filters (cobaltferrite). Hard magnetic ferrite is predominantly used in permanent magnets.

Additional references:
Beta iron
Delta iron
Ferritic cast iron
Metal matrix of cast iron
Structure formation of cast iron

 

  • Fig. 1: Ferritic matrix of nodular graphite cast iron, 200:1, etchedFig. 2:  SEM image of a ferritic matrix of nodular graphite cast iron, 1000:1,deep etching using alcohol, HCl
  • Fig. 1: Ferritic matrix of nodular graphite cast iron, 200:1, etchedFig. 2:  SEM image of a ferritic matrix of nodular graphite cast iron, 1000:1,deep etching using alcohol, HCl