Technical Information 29

Nitrogen Fissures
Nitrogen gas porosity defects are predominately a problem in grey iron, but can also occur
in ductile irons at higher nitrogen contents. Generally nitrogen fissures are found in medi-
um to heavy sections adjacent to resin bonded mould or core materials.

The nitrogen fissures are typically smooth faced surface or sub-surface irregular shaped
cavities perpendicular to the surface stretching a few millimetres into the casting. The
insides of the cavities are mostly black and shiny with dendrites penetrating into the cavity.
Nitrogen pinholes are normally surface or sub-surface rounded cavities also with black
and shiny inner surfaces. A graphite flake depleted zone normally surrounds the holes.

Example of Nitrogen porosity defect in grey iron Close-up of defect showing inner graphite lining
revealed on machining. and flake depleted rim.

Possible causes: Possible cures:

• Use of high steel scrap content in cupola
melted iron with high coke charges.
• Use of high nitrogen containing raw
materials in electric melting.
• Use of high nitrogen containing resins or
build-up of nitrogen in the sand.
• Low carbon equivalent.
• Insufficient Ti- or Zr-contents to neutralize
free nitrogen.
• Use of recarburiser with high nitrogen
content.
• Reduce nitrogen content to below 85 ppm
in heavier sections and 120 ppm in
thinner sections.
• Limit the use of high nitrogen containing
materials in the charge.
• Avoid high nitrogen containing
recarburiser.
• Increase the carbon equivalent.
• Add Ti or Zr to tie up excessive nitrogen.
• Increase pouring temperature.
• Use a lower nitrogen containing resin
binder system for cores (<3%N).
• Improve venting of mold cavity and cores.

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