Microstructure, Inclusions, and Elemental Distribution of a Compacted Graphite Iron Alloyed by Ce and La Rare Earth (RE) Elements

This work investigates the microstructure and inclusions of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) alloyed by Ce La rare earth (RE) elements. In our study, alloying elemental distribution solute segregation were characterized methods secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) with high sensitivity spatial resolution. RE sulfide, MgS, carbide, composite formed during solidification provided heterogeneous nucleation cores for graphite. Significant clustering in matrix, coupled to grain boundaries, was observed. C, Mn, Cr, V soluted cementite promoted precipitation cementite, while Si found be ferrite. Cu is usually distributed uniformly ferrite, but some Cu-rich clusters observed segregate towards interface between ferrite stabilizing pearlite. addition, P, as element, enriched along boundaries continuously. The elements participated formation inclusions, consuming harmful such As also segregated, form atoms, at its interfaces.