The article presents crystallization process of silicon molybdenum ductile cast iron (SiMo). The alloy with 5% silicon content and with

variable amounts of Mo in a range of 0-1% was chosen for the research. The carbon content in the analysed alloys did not exceed 3,1%.

The studies of crystallization process were based on thermal – derivative analysis (TDA). Chemical composition of all examined samples

was analysed with the use of LECO spectrometer. Additionally, the carbon and the sulphur content was determined basing on carbon and

sulphur LECO analyser. For metallographic examination, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS analyser was used. Disclosed

phases have been also tested with the use of X-ray diffraction. The results allowed the description of crystallization processes of silicon

molybdenum ductile cast iron using thermal – derivative analysis (TDA). Conducted studies did not allow for the clear identification of all

complex phases containing molybdenum, occurring at the grain boundaries. Therefore, the further stages of the research could include the

use of a transmission electron microscope to specify the description of complex compounds present in the alloy.

The article is a case study of the steel milling ring casting of about 6 tonnes net weight. The casting has been cast in the steel foundry the authors have been cooperating with. The aim was to analyse the influence of the shape of the chills and the material which was used to make them on the casting crystallization process. To optimally design the chills the set of the computer simulation has been carried out with 3 chills’ shape versions and 3 material’s versions and the results have been compared with the technology being in use (no chills). The proposed chills were of different thermal conductivity from low to high. Their shapes were obviously dependant on the adjacent casting surface geometry but were the result of the attempt to optimise their effect with the minimum weight, too. The chills working efficiency was analysed jointly with the previously designed top feeders system. The following parameters have been chosen to compare their effectiveness and the crystallization process: time to complete solidification and so-called fed volume describing the casting feeding efficiency. The computer simulations have been carried out with use of MagmaSoft v. 5.2 software. Finally, the optimisation has led to 15% better steel yield thanks to 60% top feeders weight reduction and 40% shorter solidification time. The steel ring cast with use of such technology fulfil all quality criteria.

In the dissertation it has been shown, that so called “time-thermal treatment” (TTT) of the alloy in liquid state as overheating the metal

with around 250o

C above Tliq. and detailing it in temperature for 30 to 40 minutes has the influence on changing the crystallization

parameters (Tliq., TEmin.

, TEmax., TE(Me), TSol.). It was ascertained, that overheating the AlSi17Cu5Mg alloy substantially above Tliq. results

with microcrystalline structure. Evenly distributed in the eutectic warp primeval silicon crystals and supersaturated with alloying additives

of base content (Cu, Mg, Fe) of α(Al) solution, ensures not only increase durability in ambient temperature, but also at elevated

temperature (250o

C), what due to it’s use in car industry is an advantage.

The modification is a widespread method of improving the strength properties of cast iron. The impact in terms of increasing amounts of

eutectic grains has been thoroughly studied while the issue of the impact on the mechanical properties of primary austenite grains has not

been studied in depth yet. The paper presents the study of both aspects. The methodology was to conduct the melting cast iron with flake

graphite, then modifying the alloy by two sets of modifiers: the commercial modifier, and a mixture of iron powder with a commercial

inoculant. The DAAS test was carried out to identify the primary austenite grains. The degree of supercooling was determined and the

UTS test was performed as well. Additionally carried out the metallographic specimen allowing for counting grains. It can be concluded

that the introduction of the iron powder significantly improved the number of austenite primary grains which resulted in an increase

in tensile strength UTS.