Using Computer Microscopy Methods to Control the Microstructure of Malleable Cast Iron Product with Spherical Graphite

The method of identification of objects on images of the microstructure of cast iron with spherical graphite of the correct shape with uniform distribution is presented. Morphological analysis techniques were used to identify shrinkage pores and graphite inclusions in microstructure images. Geometric features of the shape of graphite inclusions were used as methods for identifying graphite, in particular, particle size analysis, which is widely used to identify various objects in computer microscopy. The computer analysis of the image was performed with the program ImageJ. To determine the pores against the background of graphite inclusions, two characteristics were used - the shape and size of the objects themselves. The pores, presented on the image, differ from graphite inclusions by a complex, fractal border and comparatively large areas. For the visualization of the research results, the combination of the graphite part with the calculation and analytical part was used. Such presentation of the results is the most significant and allows to perform the most correct evaluation of the graphitized cast iron microstructure in accordance with GOST 3443-87.

Interaction between Vapor Species and Graphite Crucible during the Growth of SiC by PVT

Graphite crucible in seeded sublimation growth of Silicon Carbide (SiC) single crystal does not only act as a container but also as an additional carbon source. The modeling of the growth process integrated with the etching phenomenon caused by the interaction between vapor species and the graphite crucible is shown to be able to predict the shape of the crystal front during the growth. The additional fluxes produced at the graphite part are delivered to the growing crystal mainly at the crystal periphery. The results obtained from the modeling are in good agreement with the experimental ones.