Effect of the Retained Austenite Content on the Wear Resistance of Austempered Ductile Iron

Austempered ductile irons(ADI) are characterized by their relatively high retained austenite content which has a significant effect on mechanical properties and performance, such as ductility, toughness, wear resistance and machinability. Austenitising treatment at for , and austempering treatment within the temperature range on ductile cast iron alloyed with Cu and Mo were carried out, and the effects of retained austenite content on the mechanical properties and wear resistance were investigated. In consequence, the amount of retained austenite was found to be 13.5% at the austempering temperature of , and was increased 28% at . Tensile strength and hardness of austempered ductile iron were decreased as the retained austenite content increased, but elongation was increased. The retained austenite content at the austenitising time of 2hours was more than at 1hour. The amounts of rolling wear loss were increased as the retained austenite content increased, and the wear surface was become to be rough.