EFFECT OF RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF HIGH CHROMIUM WHITE IRON

The influence of rare earth elements, such as cerium, lanthanum, and n eodymium, on the microstructure and properties of high chromium white cast iron are examined. It has been demonstrated that rare earth eleme nts can change the microstructural characteristics of white iron conta ining 18 wt-% Cr and that these elements improve its mechanical proper ties. The optimum content of cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium in high chromium white iron is 0.13-0.26 wt-%. The wear resistance of these al loys is improved by 10% in comparison with a basic alloy containing no rare earth elements, and there are no changes in fracture toughness.