The precise knowledge of the fundamentals of nucleation is the key to a reliable production process for the fabrication of high quality cast iron products. In most of the foundries the production process is optimized based on practical experience and not on precise theoretical knowledge. Our work focused on the research of graphite nucleation in lamellar cast iron. The results of the microscopical investigations are showing for the first time centres of graphite lamella. They are presenting in their middle MnS-particles. The nucleation of graphite on MnS-particles was confirmed by microstructure simulations. Studies on the influence of Mn and S on the grain microstructure show that the contents of both elements play an important role. By treating the melt with small contents of Mg also MnSMg-particles could be observed in the matrix as well as in the graphite centres. These research results in both: the optimisation of the microstructure as well as the cost reduction.
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