The paper presents an analysis of a selected grade of high silicon cast iron intended for work in corrosive and abrasive conditions. The text describes its microstructure taking into account the process of crystallization, TDA analysis, EDS, XRD and the chemical composition analysis. In order to determine the phase composition, X-ray diffraction tests were carried out. The tests were executed on a Panalytical X'Pert PRO X-ray diffractometer with filtration of radiation from a lamp with copper anode and PIXcel 3D detector on the deflected beam axis. Completed tests allowed to describe the microstructure with detailed consideration of intermetallic phases present in the alloy. Results of the analysis of the examined alloy clearly show that we deal with intermetallic phases of Fe3Si, Fe5Si3 types, as well as silicon ferrite and crystals of silicon. In the examined alloy, we observed the phenomenon of segregation of carbon, which, as a result of this process, enriches the surface of silicon crystals, not creating a compound with it. Moreover, the paper demonstrates capability for crystallization of spheroidal graphite in the examined alloy despite lack of elements that contribute to balling in the charge materials.

This study discloses the characteristic features of the modified low-cycle fatigue test used for the determination of the mechanical

properties of two types of cast iron, i.e. EN-GJL-250 and EN-GJS-600-3. For selected materials, metallographic studies were also

conducted in the range of light microscopy and scanning microscopy.

Increasing demands on the utility properties of materials used for castings have led to the production of cast iron with a modified shape of graphite, where the required properties are achieved by a change in graphite shape, its size and layout, and a change in the basic structure of the metal. This paper is focused on the continuous method of producing spheroidal graphite FLOTRET. In the introductory section is summarized the theoretical foundations of the secondary treatment of cast irons, especially the FLOTRET flow method, describes the advantages and disadvantages of the method. The practical part is divided into laboratory and operational tests. Laboratory experiments were conducted on a laboratory-type modifier FLOTRET chamber, which was designed and hydraulically optimized. Experiments were focused on the effects of pressure altitude and amount of modifier on the residual values of magnesium, as conditions for a successful modification. The method was tested in two foundries under operating conditions and in one of them was observed a long-term modification process.

The effectiveness of cast iron spheroidization with FeSiMg master alloy by the traditional method and using a reaction chamber placed in the cavity of foundry mould was compared. The method of cast iron treatment in mould cavity using a reaction chamber is an innovative technology developed by the Foundry Research Institute in Krakow. The effectiveness of the spheroidization process carried out by both methods was checked on a series of test castings. The article also presents the results of metallographic examinations and mechanical testing, including the discussion of magnesium yield and its assimilation rate.

Effects of additions of 0.00064, 0.001 and 0.0042 wt.% Bi on the graphite structure in the section thicknesses of 3, 12, 25, 38, 50, 75 and 100 mm of spheroidal graphite cast iron castings containing 2.11 wt.% Si and rare earth (RE) elements (Ce + La + Nd + Pr + Sm + Gd) in the range from 0.00297 to 0.00337 wt.% were analyzed in this paper. Addition of Bi was not necessary for obtaining high nodule count and nodularity higher than 80% in section thicknesses of 3, 12 and 25 mm. RE elements showed a beneficial effect on the nodule count and nodularity in these sections. Nodularity was below 80% in section thicknesses of 38, 50, 75 and 100 mm when Bi was not added. Detrimental effect of RE elements on graphite morphology in these sections was neutralized by adequate addition of Bi. Addition of 0.001 wt.% Bi (ratio of RE/Bi = 3.27) was enough to achieve nodularity above 80% in the section thickness of 38 mm. Nodularity was increased above 80% in section thicknesses of 50, 75 and 100 mm by addition of 0.0042 wt.% Bi (ratio of RE/Bi = 0.78). At the same time, Bi significantly increased the nodule count. Nodularity above 80% and the high nodule count in the section thicknesses of 75 and 100 mm were also achieved by using an external metallic chill in the mold. In this case, addition of Bi was not required.