Inoculants are alloy additives used to improve the performance of cast iron.
The main function of inoculants is to improve the strength, toughness and wear resistance of cast iron by promoting graphitization, reducing the tendency of white cast iron, improving the morphology and distribution of graphite, increasing the number of eutectic groups, and refining the matrix structure.
What are the types of ferro alloy inoculants?
The types of inoculants vary depending on the composition and purpose. The following are some common types of inoculants:
- Silicon-based inoculants: mainly ferro silicon, but also include silicon calcium, silicon barium, etc. This type of inoculant mainly acts to promote graphitization, reduce the tendency of white cast iron, improve the morphology and distribution of graphite, increase the number of eutectic groups, and refine the matrix structure.
- Carbon-based inoculants: mainly carbon, including low-carbon inoculants and high-carbon inoculants. This type of inoculant mainly improves the performance of cast iron by controlling the carbon content.
- Rare earth inoculants: mainly rare earth elements, such as cerium and lanthanum. This type of inoculant has the functions of promoting graphitization, refining grains, and improving the strength, toughness and wear resistance of cast iron.
- Composite inoculant: an inoculant composed of multiple elements, such as silicon calcium, silicon barium, rare earth, etc. This type of inoculant has the functions of multiple elements and can comprehensively improve the performance of cast iron.
The method of using inoculants mainly depends on the specific type of cast iron and production requirements. The following are some common methods of using inoculants:
- Inoculation in a ladle: add the inoculant to the ladle, then pour in the molten iron to make it melt evenly, and then pour it.
- Surface inoculation: sprinkle the inoculant evenly on the surface of the molten iron to make it work quickly.
- Inoculant spraying: dilute the inoculant in proportion, spray it on the surface of the cavity through a spray gun, and make it penetrate into the casting mold.
- Inoculation during pouring: put the inoculant into the tundish, and when pouring, it will flow into the cavity with the molten iron to play a shrinkage compensation role.
Precautions for using inoculants
There are some safety risks in the use of inoculants, including:
Fire hazard: Inoculants are mostly solid particles or powders, which are flammable. When using them, they should be avoided from contact with open flames to prevent fire accidents.
Henan Tiesheng Alloy New Materials Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and supplier of alloy products such as inoculants, carburizing agents, alloy cored wires, silicon carbide, silicon-carbon alloys, and slag removers. With nearly two decades of experience in the production and sales of ferroalloys, the company’s products are sold worldwide. Our partners include major steel manufacturers and others. Our products have passed the ISO quality system certification. If you have any product needs, please contact Henan Tiesheng Alloy New Materials Co., Ltd.
