Comparison of Microstructure, Yield Strength, Tensile Strength, and Modulus of Elasticity between Gray Cast Iron and Nodular Cast Iron

Gray cast iron has graphite flakes which makes it relatively weak and brittle. The addition of magnesium to gray cast iron resulted in nodular cast iron which has spherical graphite. The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in the microstructure and strength due to the addition of magnesium to gray cast iron. Microstructure observations were made by metallographic testing using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Tensile testing was carried out to measure the yield strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. The addition of magnesium to gray cast iron was observed to increase the yield strength by 179%, tensile strength by 238%, and decrease the modulus of elasticity by 94%.