Effects of alloying elements on thermal conductivity of pearlitic gray cast iron

A quantitative model is proposed to describe the thermal conductivity of alloyed pearlitic gray cast iron. The model is built by combining the computational thermodynamics and effective medium theory. The volume fractions and concentrations of precipitated phases in as-cast structure are estimated in consideration of partial and para-equilibrium. The conductivity of alloyed ferrite is calculated, taking into account the electronic and vibrational contributions of alloying elements. The model provides a good agreement with microstructure analysis and measured thermal conductivity. The influence of common alloying elements was discussed from the viewpoint of precipitation of phases and scattering of alloying atoms. This model can also be used as a numerical tool for designing the pearlitic gray cast irons with high thermal conductivity and high tensile strength.