Vermicular cast iron, also known as compacted graphite cast iron, contains blunted graphite flakes and therefore its properties are intermediate between those of gray cast iron which is characterized by a flake graphite structure and ductile or nodular cast iron which is characterized by a spherulitic graphite structure. Vermicular cast iron is of interest for applications which call for tensile strengths approaching those of ductile irons combined with good casting properties and thermal conductivity normally associated with gray cast irons. Such combinations of properties are useful in such applications as ingot molds, engine blocks, and the like.

The graphite morphology depends on the presence of dissolved oxygen and sulfur and therefore elements such as magnesium or rare earth metals need to be added in carefully controlled amounts. The current practice is mostly empirical in nature. A consistent thermodynamic description of the relevant chemical equilibria would be very helpful to be able to control the casting process.

The aim of this doctoral research is to develop the thermodynamic framework for compacted graphite cast irons based on literature data and experimental work and to extend the relevant thermodynamic databases.

Promotor: Bart Blanpain

Latest Application date: 2009-09-30

Financing: available

Type of Position: scholarship

Source of Funding: Baekeland fellowship (funding available for first year during which an application is made for a Bae

Duration of the Project : 4 years

Research group: Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (MTM)

Remarks: This project will be run in the Centre for High Temperature Processes, Metallurgy and Refractory Materials (http://www.mtm.kuleuven.be/Research/centre/index.html) and in the Thermodynamics in Materials Engineering Group. There will also be plenty of opportunity to interact with industry.

Apply this project at:
http://phd.kuleuven.be/apply/index.php?contact=u0008023&id=1475

Please kindly mention Scholarshiponline.info when applying for this scholarship