Surface Hardening of Ferritic Flake Graphite Cast Iron by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

Ferritic flake graphite cast iron, which is less commonly used due to its relatively low strength, was friction stir processed (FSP) for surface hardening in this study. We clarified that a Vickers hardness of above 700 HV can be obtained even for the ferritic matrix due to the formation of the fine martensite structure which can be seen in an ordinary quenched cast iron. Additionally, the effects of the graphite shape and microstructure of the matrix on the FSP conditions were investigated.