Influence of sulphur on mechanical properties of foundry steels and ways to minimise it

Abstract

The influence of sulphur on mechanical properties of foundry steels used for the production of highly responsible parts of railway transport has been investigated. It is shown that the sulphur content in steels above 0.025% leads to a sharp decrease in their strength, impact toughness and ductility, which significantly reduces the operational durability of castings. Studies have been carried out to determine the critical limit of sulphur content, at which the properties of steel remain at an acceptable level. On the basis of the obtained data effective technologies of steel desulphurisation have been proposed, which can be introduced in foundry production, in particular, in conditions of Tashkent LMP.