White iron is a type of cast iron characterized by its white, hard, and brittle appearance when fractured. It gets its name from its bright white color on the broken surface, which is in contrast to the gray appearance of gray iron. White iron has a unique microstructure consisting of cementite (iron carbide) and pearlite phases. This microstructure is formed by rapid cooling and results in its hardness and brittleness.
White iron is known for its exceptional wear resistance, making it suitable for applications where abrasion and impact resistance are crucial. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of components such as grinding balls, crusher liners, and slurry pumps that are subjected to severe wear conditions. White iron’s hardness and durability make it a preferred choice in these demanding environments. However, due to its brittleness, it may not be suitable for applications requiring toughness or resistance to shock loading.