Abstract—ADI refers to heat treated Ductile Iron (DI). Austempering heat treatment is used to bring about changes in microstructure of ductile iron hence enhancement in the properties. ADI has the combined properties of cast iron and steel. Damping capacity, wear resistance combined with high strength are the key features of ADI. Development of ADI is a very challenging process, because lot of process variables are involved in the preparation of ADI. Attempt has been made in this work to evaluate the properties of the ADI and properties of DI are compared before and after heat treatment with addition of Cu in the range of 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt% in the DI matrix. The ductile iron preparation followed by the preparation of test specimens of each composition. The specimens were subjected to the austenization (900 °C), austempering (300 °C) in engine oil for the holding time of 1 hr. The heat treatment was carried in a conventional resistance furnace and electric oven. The prepared specimens were tested for tensile strength; microstructural analysis was carried out using optical microscope. Each test and analysis was carried out to specimen of each composition before and after the treatment for the purpose of comparing the properties.

Index Terms—ADI, Austempering, Austenization

Cite: Anil Kumar M M and R Suresh, "Effect of Copper on the Properties of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI)," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol.1, No.3, pp. 113-117, October 2012.