Vanadium - Transforming Possibilities

The Effects of Vanadium in Ductile (SG) Cast Irons

Abstract:

The effects of up to 0.5 per cent vanadium in as-cast and annealed ductile cast irons have been examined. Vanadium increases the tendency for eutectic carbide and pearlite to occur in as-cast irons, but these are readily removed by a normal ferritizing heat treatment. 
Vanadium produces some improvement in the as-cast tensile properties, but greater improvements occur when the irons are annealed to the fully ferritic condition. 
Combined additions of vanadium and nickel in annealed ferritic ductile iron produce greater increases in tensile properties than other combinations of strengthening elements, with less decrease in ductility and less increase in the impact transition temperature. However, vanadium does not increase the creep resistance of these irons, and the fatigue limit is increased by no more than would be expected from the increase in tensile strength. 
The effects of vanadium are attributed at least in part to the refinement of the ferrite grains and the formation of a fine, dot-like precipitate by the vanadium.