Ferritic-austenitic cast steel - selected problems

The author has been involved in the problems occurring in the manufacture of ferritic-austenitic cast steel castings for many years. The author's remarks and investigation results reported in this article will enable potential manufacturers to determine their own technical capabilities and structural determinants related to the chemical composition of material, which are crucial to the good quality of a casting. Particular emphasis should be laid on the role of enhanced carbon content, the presence of copper, the precipitates of the [...] phase, and the nature of solidification structure in the tendency of duplex-type cast steel to cracking. It seems that in view of the pro-ecological activities undertaken, including flue gas desulphurization in coal-fired power plants, efforts should be made in steel foundries to introduce selected grades of ferritic-austenitic cast steel to production.