Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiMo ductile cast irons alloys with varied Mo and Nb contents

Four silicon and molybdenum (SiMo) ductile cast irons (DCI) alloys were produced with the intention of evaluating the possibility of substituting molybdenum (Mo) by niobium (Nb) for cost reduction purposes. These alloys were evaluated in terms of their chemical composition, microstructure, hardness and tensile properties at room and high temperatures (800 ºC). Results show that substitution of Mo by Nb does not change the mechanical properties of the DCI alloys significantly either at room or high temperatures.