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

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2025.9.4.50-58

Keywords:

microstructure, white cast iron, heat treatment, hypoeutectic white cast iron, tellurium

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.

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Author Biography

  • Prof. Magdalena Kawalec, AGH University of Krakow

    Magdalena Kawalec, born on April 19, 1978, in Olkusz, Poland, is an academic and researcher at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering of the AGH University of Krakow.

    She received all her academic degrees from the same institution:

    • Habilitation in Materials Engineering (2020),
    • Ph.D. in Foundry Engineering (2007),
    • Master's Degree in Metallurgy with a specialization in Environmental Protection (2002).

    Dr. Kawalec’s significant scientific achievement is documented in her monograph entitled: "Shaping the structure of thin-walled castings from high-quality iron with vermicular graphite precipitates". Her doctoral dissertation explored "The role of vanadium in shaping the structure and properties of vanadium cast iron".

    Since 2004, she has been actively involved in the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, progressing to the position of Professor (or University Professor) in 2020.

    Her core research interests include:

    • Alloyed cast iron, particularly high-vanadium iron;
    • Anisotropic Metal Matrix Composites (MMC);
    • Spheroidization of carbides;
    • Synthesis of nanoscale particles in ductile iron;
    • The impact of cooling rates on the structure and mechanical properties of ductile iron and vermicular graphite iron;
    • Thermal stability of ADI castings;
    • Structure homogeneity of casting alloys.

    Magdalena Kawalec's commitment to advancing the field of foundry engineering is evident in her research, teaching, and leadership, notably in her role as Vice Dean for Education at the AGH University of Krakow Faculty of Foundry Engineering from 2020 to 2024.

References

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Published

2025-12-23

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Alicja Trela-Przybyło, Prof. Magdalena Kawalec, Marcin Górny

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Trela-Przybyło, A., Kawalec, M., & Górny, M. (2025). Influence of the Addition of Tellurium and Heat Treatmenton the Microstructure of Hypoeutectic White Cast Iron. Journal of Casting & Materials Engineering, 9(4), 50-58. https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2025.9.4.50-58

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