Influence of the Addition of Tellurium and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure of Hypoeutectic White Cast Iron

Abstract

This study investigates how the addition of tellurium and heat treatment affects the microstructure of hypoeutectic white cast iron that has been modified with alloying elements such as titanium, chromium and vanadium. Samples with different chemical compositions were prepared and subjected to a two-step heat treatment process. Microstructural characterisation was performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that introducing tellurium significantly affects the morphology of the cementite and carbide phases, causing them to fragment and become more evenly distributed. Furthermore, heat treatment enhanced matrix refinement and promoted phase stability. The combination of tellurium addition and heat treatment produced the most favourable microstructures, characterised by the high dispersion of hard phases within a fine-grained matrix.