An Experimental Investigation of Jatropha Seed Oil as Austempering Quenchant for Ductile Cast Iron

Abstract

This study investigates the suitability of jatropha seed oil as quenching medium for asaustempering ductile cast iron. The cooling rate for vegetable oils is faster than that of comparable quenchants, making them suitable for austempering heat treatment. Test samples were austenitized at 950°C; socked for 1hr; austempered for varying periods of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5hrs. The result showed significant increase in tensile strength and impact energy apart from achieving an appreciable increase in hardness. It also tally with recommended values of ductile cast iron austempered in salt bath, implying that jatropha oil can be used as hot bath for the austempering of ductile cast iron.