The influence of phosphorus on shrinkage porosity in cast irons

In this paper, the influence of phosphorus on the formation and presence of microporosity in gray cast iron is examined. The microporosity is ascribed to the formation and presence of the phosphide eutectic(s) in the microstr ucture during solidification. Samples with high phosphorus content have hig her levels of microporosity. The role of alloying elements like chromium an d molybdenum on the formation and presence of the phosphide eutectic in the microstructure and overall microporosity is examined. The influence of pou ring temperature in controlling the formation of the phosphide eutectic is highlighted. Since cast irons have great use in cylinder liners for automot ive applications the practical relevance of using phosphorus is of signific ant interest. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.