Technical Information 6

Fading of Inoculation
Inoculants for cast irons produce their effects by creating a marked increase in the number
of nucleation sites suitable for graphite growth during solidification of the eutectic. These
become apparent as an increase in the number of eutectic cells in grey irons and in the
number of graphite nodules in ductile irons. This results in a reduction in undercooling
thus minimizing the risk of forming iron carbides or "chill" particularly in thin, rapidly cooled
sections.

The effects of inoculation are at a maximum immediately after making the addition and
they fade with time. The rate of fading depends on:
• The inoculant composition;
• The type of iron to which it is added;
• Temperature;
• Surface energies;
• Diffusion rates.

Fading may be very rapid with much of the effect lost within the first few minutes after
addition. Fading of inoculation can be explained by the coalescing and re-solution of the
nuclei population which causes the total number of potential nucleation sites to be
reduced (i.e. growth or coarsening of nuclei particles according to the so-called Ostwald
Ripening effect). This behaviour is in close agreement with experimental observations of
fading as illustrated in the following figures.

Reduction in nuclei population (micro-inclusions) Fading characteristics of inoculation.

with time

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Technical Information 6 2

Principal Results of Fading:

1. To cause greater undercooling to take place during eutectic solidification thus
leading to an increased tendency to chilling in grey and ductile irons particularly in
thin section.
2. To reduce the numbers of eutectic cells or graphite nodules in the structure and to
cause deterioration in graphite form. Severe fading can promote the formation of
undercooled graphite with associated ferrite in grey irons and significant amounts of
non-nodular graphite in ductile irons, both of which can adversely affect the
properties of the iron.

Some Well Established Facts Concerning Inoculant Fade:

• The effects of all inoculants fade with time.
• There is no period after inoculation during which zero fading occurs. To obtain
maximum effect the metal must be cast as soon as possible after inoculation, the
ultimate being addition of the inoculant to the pouring stream.
• The effects of some inoculants fade more slowly than others depending on their
composition and conditions of use.
• An inoculant which gives a high eutectic cell number is not necessarily the most
effective in reducing chill. In grey iron, Strontium-based inoculants are recognised
to give the best combination of a coarse cell structure, low shrinkage tendency, and
very low chill level.
• Under any particular set of conditions it is not possible to predict the fading
characteristics of an inoculant from its composition. Foundries therefore should
carry out tests to determine which is the most suitable inoculant for their purpose.
These tests should be made under careful control to avoid the spurious effects of
factors such as metal temperature, inoculant storage, etc.