Role of phosphorus content on porosity of cast irons

Abstract

The influence of phosphorus content on two cast-iron cylinder liner specimens containing different levels of phosphorus has been studied using analytical techniques. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used to relate the surface roughness of a cast-iron specimen wich phosphorus content. The sample with higher phosphorus content had higher levels of porosity. The increased porosity is ascribed to the formation of the phosphide eutectic. Scanning electron microscopy observations were also used to relate the phosphorus content in the sample with amount and size of microporosity. The beneficial influence of phosphorus as an alloying element is highlighted and the detrimental effects arising from the formation of microporosity are discussed.