Technical Information 12A

Overview of Alloying Elements and their Effects in Grey Iron

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
Primary alloying element of all cast
2.5-4.0 irons, essential for graphite/iron Too high level compared to cast sec-
Recarburiser,
White carbide precipitation. The highest tion and quality can give problems
C steel scrap,
iron: graphitization potential and the with Kish graphite and lower mecha-
pig iron.
1.8-3.6 element with the strongest influence nical strength than intended.
on the castability of the iron.
1.0-3.0 Promotes graphite and ferrite.
With increasing level the mechanical
FeSi, Reduces chilling tendency. Positive
White strength decreases. It is therefore
Si steel scrap, influence on the castablity and helps
iron: important to adjust according to
pig iron. make sound castings. Increases
0.5-1.9 desired strength.
strength of ferrite.
Most pig 0.2-1.0 Too high level can increase slag
Ties up S and thereby improves
irons, steel forming tendency and result in MnS-
White machinability and grain size.
Mn scrap, FeMn blowhole defects. In addition
iron: Promotes pearlite which improves
lump or unbalanced level of Mn in relation to S
0.25-0.8 the strength.
briquettes. will promote formation of carbides.
Makes the cast iron harder and more
brittle in addition to increase tendency
to form micro-shrinkages. Higher tool
Phosphoric Up to 1.0 Increases the fluidity of the cast iron,
wear due to hard inclusions. The good
pig iron and a quality that is useful when making
White fluidity can also give increased
P scrap, castings with detailed surfaces such
iron: problems with penetration and fining,
additions of as old stoves/furnaces. Increases the
0.06-0.2 which requires more fettling. Contri-
FeP. wear resistance. Pearlite stabilizer.
butes to the formation of Widman-
staetten-ferrite in conjunction with S.
Degenerate graphite with Pb.
Up to S stabilizes pearlite and promotes
Coke, 0.25 Is needed to secure a good graphite carbides and can lead to a hard and
carburizers,
S White nucleation. Will together with Mn brittle iron. A high S-content increases
pig iron, scrap
iron: influence the strength of the iron. problems with slag and danger for
iron, FeS.
0.06-0.2 slag-related defects.
Magnesium Normally insignificant in grey iron,
Up to
Mg and Mg-alloys can have inoculation effect and Compacted or nodular graphite.
0.01
(nodularizers) promote rounded flakes.
Ce Magnesium Is present in some inoculants.
and Mg-alloys Positive influence on nucleation of Normally not added in sufficient
(nodularizers), < 0.01
La graphite and securing correct amount to cause any negative effect.
Inoculant structure and mechanical properties.
Pr Magnesium
and Mg-alloys < 0.005 Normally insignificant in grey iron. No known significant effect.
Nd (nodularizers)
Cu-metal, - Normally used in grey iron, promotes Not normally present in harmful
Cu-wire, formation of graphite and pearlite levels. Cu-sources may contain
Cu Up to 1.0
Cu-alloys, stabilizing element. Can have grain elevated levels of harmful trace
steel scrap refining effect. elements such as Pb, Te, As and Sb.
Promotes graphite and stable solidifi-
cation. 1% Ni equals 0,25% Si. In-
Nickel plate, creases strength, hardness and elon-
steel scrap, gation. Used in combination with Cr High levels can give bainite in thin
Ni Up to 0.5
refined irons, and Mo to improve corrosion pro- sections.
NiMg alloy. perties (Ni-resist). Can be added to
neutralise negative effects of Cr.
Can have grain refining effect.

Elkem AS, Foundry Products © Copyright Elkem AS

Postal address Office address Telephone Web Revision
P.O.Box 5211 Majorstuen Hoffsveien 65B +47 22 45 01 00 www.foundry.elkem.com No. 3.0
NO-0302 Oslo Oslo Telefax Org. no. 23.06.2011
Norway Norway +47 22 45 01 52 NO 911 382 008 MVA
Technical Information 12A 2

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
Alloy steel,
Promotes formation of iron carbides
chromium Give higher hardness and better
and can give problems with chill.
Cr plate, some Up to 0.5 wear resistance. Can help achieve
Increased tendency for micro
pig irons, finer distributed graphite.
shrinkage.
FeCr.
Al-killed steel
scrap,
Increases the solubility of H and thus
inoculants, Important to achieve good inoculation
Up to the danger of H-related defects.
Al Fe-alloys, light effect. Can help tie up N and prevent
0.03 Increases slag formation and danger
alloy N-related gas defects.
of slag related defects.
components,
Al-metal.
Higher degree of undercooling during
Some pig
solidification can give problems with
irons, some Promotes ferrite and reduces chilling
incorrect graphite type and thus
paints and tendency. Refines the graphite
Up to incorrect mechanical properties.
Ti vitreous structure. Can help tie up N and
0.15 Higher tendency for slag related
enamels, CG- prevent gas related defects.
defects. Can in combination with Al
iron returns, Improved wear resistance.
result in gas related defects.
Ti-metal, FeTi
Increased chill, reduced cell count.
Steel scrap, Promotes pearlite and forms V-
Increases chilling tendency.
tool steel, Up to carbides, which improve the strength
V Formation of V-carbides can have a
some pig 0.10 and hardness. Improved wear
negative impact on machinability.
irons, FeV. resistance.
Mo-carbides can have a negative
Forms Mo-carbides and has a weak
impact on machinability. Segregates
pearlite promoting effect. Greatly
heavily and results in carbides and
Refined pig improves the strength. 0,1% Mo can
more open structure at the grain
Mo irons, alloy Up to 0.1 increase the strength by 4%.
boundaries. Problems with micro-
steels, FeMo. Improved properties at elevated
porosities especially in combination
temperatures and improved wear
with Cr and P. High levels can give
resistance.
bainite in thinner sections.
Positive impact on graphite
Up to If too high levels are added it may
Zr Inoculant nucleation and gives a refined
0.01 promote undercooled graphite forms.
graphite structure. Can help tie up N.
Solder, tin
Strong pearlite promoter and used
plated steel Promotes undercooled D-graphite.
Up to deliberately to achieve fully pearlitic
Sn scrap, bronze Present at too high levels can lead to
0.15 structure. Increases strength and
components, embrittlement of the iron
hardness.
tin additions.
Steel scrap,
vitreous ena- Can result in undesired graphite forms
Strong pearlite promoter and can be
mel scrap, Up to at elevated levels and will then have a
Sb used to secure fully pearlitic matrix
bearing 0.02 negative impact on mechanical
especially near cores.
shells, Sb- properties. Same as Pb.
metal.
Refines eutectic cell size, graphite
structure and the lamellae spacing of
the pearlite matrix. Nb affects the
HSLA steel
nucleation of graphite and can hence
Nb scrap, Nb- Up to 0.5 Strong carbide promoter.
support inoculation. The ultra hard
metal, FeNb
NbC particles formed lead to a
markedly increased wear resistance
of the material.
Can result in undesired graphite forms
Strong pearlite promoter and can be
Pig iron, steel Up to at elevated levels and will then have a
As used to secure fully pearlite matrix
scrap 0.05 negative impact on mechanical
especially near cores.
properties. Same as Pb.
Zinc coated Up to
Zn Ferrite promoter. No information on effect in grey iron
steel scrap 0.05
Se No known <0.001 No information on effect in grey iron No information on effect in grey iron
Free-cutting Normally not used in grey iron. Strong carbide forming element
Up to
Te copper, mould Promotes cementite in cups for difficult to control. Should be avoided
0.003
coatings, thermal analysis (white curves). if possible.
Technical Information 12A 3

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
thermal cups.
High speed Up to Promotes pearlite, but is not
W No known significant effect
tool steel. 0.05 commonly used in grey iron.
Old paints,
some vitreous Can result in undesired graphite such
enamel, free- as Widmanstätten-graphite in heavy
cutting steel, Up to sections and mesh interconnected
Pb Pearlite promoter.
terne plate, 0.005 type in thinner sections, which has a
solder, petrol negative impact on the mechanical
engine properties. Increased chill.
deposits.
Promotes carbides and can result in
Inoculant,
undesired graphite forms such as
some mould Up to
Bi No known significant effect Widmanstätten-graphite, which has a
coatings, core 0.01
negative impact on the mechanical
coatings.
properties. Increased chill.
Fe-alloys, Positive influence on nucleation of
Up to Increases slag formation and danger
Ca nodulariser, graphite and securing correct
0.01 of slag related defects.
inoculant. structure and mechanical properties.
At the levels present in grey iron Ba
Up to has a positive influence on nucleation Increases slag formation and danger
Ba Inoculants
0.003 of graphite and securing correct of slag related defects.
structure and mechanical properties.
Up to
Co Tool steel No known significant effect No known significant effect
0.02
Plated bolts
Cd No known significant effect Forms intercellular flakes.
and screws.
Coke, Increases chill. Can give gas related
carburizers, defectss if present in higher level
Up to Promotes pearlite and increases
N core binders, (N>95ppm) depending on section
0.02 strength.
steel scrap, thickness. Can give undesired
NiFeMn. compacted graphite.
Promotes carbides especially in thin
FeB, vitreous Up to
B No known significant effect sections even at very low levels
enamel scrap, 0.01
(B>0,001%).
Too high level can give problems with
gas porosity and increased slag
Rusty scrap, formation. Too high levels of O in
O 4-6 ppm Essential for graphite nucleation.
pig iron. stream size inoculant could potentially
reduce the effect of the inoculant and
lead to slag defects.
Moist, rusty or Subsurface pinholes and fissures,
oily charge especially with higher Al or Ti levels.
H materials, wet <4 ppm None known. May increase shrinkage porosity. Pro-
refractories or motes coarse graphite, and inverse
cores. chill when insufficient Mn present.

References:
 BCIRA Broadsheet 192
 ASM Specialty Handbook Cast Irons
 Giesserei Lexikon 2001
 Legeringsämnenas inverkan på gjutjärnets egenskaper
 Sorelmetall Gusseisen mit Kugelgraphite
 Deutsches Roheisen Störelemente und schädliche Begleitelemente bei der Herstellung von Gusseisen
mit Kugelgraphite
 Trace Elements in Gray iron
This page intentionally left blank.
 Technical Information 12B

Overview of Alloying Elements and their Effects in Ductile Iron

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
Primary alloying element of all cast
3.0-4.0 Too high level compared to cast section
Recarburiser, irons, essential for graphite precipita-
and quality can cause problems with
C steel scrap, CGI: tion. The highest graphitization poten-
irregular graphite forms and flotation,
pig iron. 2.5-4.0 tial and the element with the strongest
giving lower mechanical strength.
influence on the castability of the iron.
Promotes graphite and ferrite, reduces With increasing content the ductile-to-
1.8-4.0 chill tendency. Positive effect on casta- brittle transition temperature increases
CGI: bility and helps make sound castings. giving lower impact strength. At eleva-
FeSi,
Increases strength and as-cast ductility ted levels Si and C-content has to be
Si steel scrap, 1.0-3.0
of ferritic grades. Positive impact on adjusted to avoid graphite flotation, in-
pig iron. SiMo: high temperature properties above 3% creased slag formation and problems
4.0-6.0 and is often combined with Mo, Ni and with mould filling. A higher casting tem-
other elements. perature is needed.
Carbide forming element that can
segregate to grain boundaries and
result in carbides, which can reduce
mechanical strength. This negative
0.1-1.0 effect can partly be reduced by increa-
Pig iron,
Ferritic Promotes pearlite formation and sing Si-content in thin sections, but if
Mn steel scrap,
grades: improves hardenability. possible the level of Mn should be kept
FeMn.
<0.20 low in thicker section castings and other
elements should be selected to control
the matrix structure. Increases the
ductile-to-brittle transition temperature.
Can promote shrinkage.
Should be kept as low as possible,
damaging in ductile irons above 0.03%.
Decreases ductility and result in a more
brittle matrix by introducing micro poro-
sities. Forms low melting phosphide
Some pig iron eutectic at the grain boundaries in addi-
Increases fluidity. Stabilizes pearlite,
P and steel Up to 0.03 tion to promoting pearlite. Negative
increases hardness and strength.
scrap, FeP. effect can be partly counteracted by
addition of Si. Can have detrimental
effect on mechanical properties which
heat treatment can only partly cure.
Increases the ductile-to-brittle transition
temperature.
If not neutralised, flake graphite will
Coke, form instead of nodular graphite. At
carburizers, Up to 0.03 levels >0,020% increases Mg consump-
some pig iron >0.03 with Essential for graphite nucleation and a tion and may give problems with slag
S
and steel desulphu- recommended minimum is 0.005%. formation and reduced consistency of
scrap, mould rization the Mg-treatment. Damaging to
sand, FeS. structure and properties unless balan-
ced by manganese.
Highly volatile, high treatment tempera-
tures decreases Mg yield. High levels
Magnesium The most essential element for ductile
compared to S can give carbides, micro
Mg and Mg-alloys 0.03-0.06 irons. Deoxidiser and desulphuriser,
porosities and increased slag formation.
(nodularizers) enabling nodular graphite growth.
Turbulent mould filling can give dross
(slag stringers).

Elkem AS, Foundry Products © Copyright Elkem AS

Postal address Office address Telephone Web Revision
P.O.Box 5211 Majorstuen Hoffsveien 65B +47 22 45 01 00 www.foundry.elkem.com No. 3.0
NO-0302 Oslo Oslo Telefax Org. no. 23.06.2011
Norway Norway +47 22 45 01 52 NO 911 382 008 MVA
Technical Information 12B 2

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)

Mg-alloys, Deoxidiser and desulphuriser, enabling High levels can give carbides in thin
Misch metal, nodular graphite growth. Effective ino- sections and chunky graphite in thick
Ce Ce-metal, Up to 0.02 culant, more fade resistant than Mg. sections. Chunky counteracted by
Neutralises subversive elements: Ti, controlled additions of Sb, Pb and Sn.
Inoculant. Al, Sb, Pb, Bi and Sn, total <0.03%. Carbide stabilizing due to segregation.
Deoxidiser and desulphuriser, enabling
Mg-alloys, High levels can give carbides in thin
nodular graphite growth. Effective ino-
Misch metal, sections and chunky graphite in thick
culant, stronger than Ce, more fade re-
La La-metal, <0.015 sections. Chunky graphite can be coun-
sistant than Mg. Neutralises subversive
teracted by addition of Sb, Pb and Sn.
inoculant. elements such as Pb, As, Ti, Sb and
Carbide stabilizing due to segregation.
Bi.
Mg-alloys, Similar to Ce, but no significant effect at
Pr <0.010 Similar to Ce.
Misch metal. normal levels.
Mg-alloys, Similar to Ce, but no significant effect at
Nd <0.010 Similar to Ce.
Misch metal. normal levels.
Impairs ferritisation and can give more
brittle ferrite. Levels >1% can result in
degeneration of the graphite form.
Cu-metal, Selection of Cu-source is important as it
Promotes pearlite without promoting
Cu-wire, may contain harmful trace elements
Cu Up to 1.5 carbides and increases strength and
Cu-alloys, such as As, Pb, Te and Sb. In presence
hardenability.
steel scrap. of Cu the negative effect of these
elements are often enhanced. Promo-
tes intercellular flake graphite in combi-
nation with Ti or Pb.
Promotes formation of graphite, but
weaker than Si. Stabilises austenite.
Increases strength without making the
Nickel plate, ferrite more brittle and can be used as
some steel Up to 0.2 a Si-subsititute in ferritic grades. Incre-
Promotes chunky graphite at elevated
Ni scrap, refined Ni-resist: ases hardenability especially in combi-
levels and high carbon equivalent.
irons, NiMg- 18-36 nation with Mo and/or Cu. Improves
alloys. corrosion resistance and high tempe-
rature properties if alloyed correctly.
Slightly grain refining effect. Reduces
chill.
Pearlite stabilising element, but hardly
used as that. Increases hardenability
Alloy steel, Strong carbide promoter. Increases
Up to 0.1 and wear resistance. Commonly used
Cr-plate, chilling tendency. Promotes stable car-
Cr in austenitic ductile iron to improve
some pig bides and segregates heavily to grain
oxidation and corrosion properties in
irons, FeCr. boundaries. Synergetic effect with Mn.
high temperature alloys. Raises nodule
count.
Al-killed steel
scrap,
Improves graphite nucleation and Promotes H-pinholes above >0.015%.
inoculants,
promotes formation of ferrite. Gives slag related defects if present at
Al ferroalloys, Up to 0.2
Neutralizes nitrogen. May be elevated levels. Detrimental to nodular
light alloy
neutralized by cerium. graphite above approx. 0.08%.
components,
Al-metal.
Some pig Should be kept as low as possible in
irons, paints ductile iron. Reduces nodule count and
and vitreous impairs nodular graphite formation at
Ti Up to 0.2 Promotes pearlite.
enamels, elevated levels. Promotes H-pinholes
CGI returns, especially in combination with Al. May
T-metal, FeTi. be counteracted by rare earth metals.
Steel scrap, Improves yield and ultimate tensile Forms very stable carbides that may
tool steel, strength in heat treated ferritic ductile have a negative impact on later
V Up to 0.02
some pig iron with limited reduction of impact machinability. Retards annealing.
irons, FeV. and elongation. Promotes pearlite. Promotes chill.
Technical Information 12B 3

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
Promotes pearlite and increases
Up to 0.1 hardenability. Increases hardness and
Refined pig Segregates strongly and forms stable
yield strength through solid solution
Mo irons, alloyed SiMo: carbides at the grain boundaries.
hardening. Combined with Ni and Cr
steels, FeMo. 1.0-2.0% Promotes carbides.
for improved properties at high
temperatures.
Improves graphite nucleation and can
Precondition, Can promote compacted graphite at
Zr Up to 0.01 assist in tying up N to avoid gas related
inoculant elevated levels. Carbide former.
defects.
Solder, tin
Strong pearlite promoter. Can be used
plated steel Impairs formation of ferrite. Embrittles
in combination with Cu to stabilise
Sn scrap, bronze Up to 0.15 ductile irons above 0.08 %. Can give
pearlite content in heavy casting
components, intercellular flake graphite.
sections. Improves strength.
Sn-metal.
Steel scrap, Can result in degenerated graphite
vitreous Strong pearlite promoter. Added to (spiky graphite and lamellar graphite at
enamel scrap, heavy section castings to counteract grain boundaries) if present in absence
Sb Up to 0.01
bearing chunky graphite (50-100 ppm). Can of rare earths. Strong carbide promoter.
shells, Sb- help neutralise rare earths if necessary. Inhibits nodularity in absence of rare
metal. earth’s.
HSLA steel
Increased mechanical properties and
Nb scrap, Nb- Up to 0.01 Strong carbide promoter.
corrosion behaviour.
metal, FeNb
Strong pearlite promoter. Added to Can result in degenerated graphite
heavy section castings to counteract (spiky graphite and lamellar graphite at
Pig iron, steel
As Up to 0.01 chunky graphite. Can help neutralise grain boundaries) if present in absence
scrap.
rare earths if necessary. Improves of rare earths. Strong carbide promoter.
nodular graphite shape. Can be controlled by Ce.
Environmental and health problems
Should be avoided or melting process
during melting. Can condensate on the
should be selected to handle Zn-
Zinc coated induction coil leading to break down of
Zn Up to 0.05 contaminated scrap. Effectively
steel scrap induction furnace. Decreases Mg-yield
removed by base iron stirring at high
and can cause degenerated graphite at
temperatures.
levels above 0.04%.
Se No known <0.002 No information on effect in ductile iron No information on effect in ductile iron
Free-cutting
copper, mould Can control pinholes at max 0.003%. Strong carbide forming element difficult
Te coatings, ther- <0.005 Negative effects can be counteracted to control. Should be avoided if
mal analysis by Mg and Ce. possible.
samples.
High speed
W Up to 0.03 Promotes pearlite. Carbide promoter.
tool steel.
Old paints,
Level should be kept as low as
some vitreous Promotes intercellular flake graphite
possible as negative effect can occur
enamel, free- which can have negative effect on
Up to even at level lower than the detection
Pb cutting steel, mechanical properties. Promotes
0.005 limit of Pb. Promotes pearlite. Effects
solder, petrol carbides. Causes degenerated nodular
on graphite in ductile irons are
engine graphite forms.
neutralized by rare earths.
deposits.
Bi-bearing Can help give rounder and smaller Promotes iron carbides and can give
inoculants, graphite nodules, but is best used in undesirable graphite forms such as
Bi mould Up to 0.01 combination with RE to avoid incorrect Widmanstätten graphite and by that
coatings graphite structure. Increases number of reduced mechanical properties. Exces-
containing Bi. nodules. sive nodule count can cause shrinkage.
Improves spheroidization of graphite Increases slag formation and danger of
Ferroalloys,
nodules. Improves graphite nucleation. slag related defects. Can also promote
Ca nodularizers, Up to 0.01
Reduces chilling tendency and chunky graphite if combined with high
inoculants.
promotes graphite. levels of Si and/or Ni.
Improves graphite nucleation and
Ba-bearing Up to
Ba reduces fading. Reduces chilling No known significant effect
inoculants. 0.003
tendency and promotes graphite.
Co Tool steel. Up to 0.02 No known significant effect Carbide promoter.
Technical Information 12B 4

Common Normal
Element Positive effects Negative effects
sources level (%)
Plated bolts
Cd No known significant effect Forms intercellular flakes.
and screws.
Strong carbide promoter >10 ppm.
Vitreous >5 ppm gives more ferrite. A level that
Limits Cu’s pearlite forming. Reduces
B enamel scrap, Up to 0.01 can be difficult to control and keep
hardness. Normally it is recommended
FeB. consistent in ordinary production.
to keep B-content as low as possible.
Coke, Can result in nitrogen fissures (holes) at
Not normally a problem in ductile iron
carburizers, higher levels (>85-110 ppm) dependent
Up to since Mg also ties up N. promotes
N core binders, on section thickness and increase
150 ppm pearlite. Defects can be neutralised by
steel scrap, shrinkage porosity. Can give undesired
Al, Ti and Zr.
NFeMn. compacted graphite.
Base iron: Too high level will require higher
4-6 ppm addition of MgFeSi and will give
Rusty scrap,
O Essential for graphite nucleation. problems with slag generation and gas
pig iron. Final iron:
porosity. High levels of O in in-mould
<1 ppm grades are especially critical.
Moist, rusty or
oily charge Can give H pinholes, especially with
H materials, wet < 4 ppm None known. higher Al or Ti levels. Can increase
refractories or shrinkage porosity.
cores.

References:
 BCIRA Broadsheet 192
 ASM Specialty Handbook Cast Irons
 Giesserei Lexikon 2001
 Legeringsämnenas inverkan på gjutjärnets egenskaper
 Sorelmetall Gusseisen mit Kugelgraphite
 Deutsches Roheisen Störelemente und schädliche Begleitelemente bei der Herstellung von Gusseisen
mit Kugelgraphite
 Review Ductile Iron: Fifty years of continuous development
 Effects and Neutralization of Trace Elements in Gray, Ductile and Malleable iron