Page "Cast iron" Paragraph 11

Grey cast iron is characterised by its graphitic microstructure, which causes fractures of the material to have a grey appearance.

It is the most commonly used cast iron and the most widely used cast material based on weight.

Most cast irons have a chemical composition of 2. 5 to 4. 0 % carbon, 1 to 3 % silicon, and the remainder is iron.

Grey cast iron has less tensile strength and shock resistance than steel, but its compressive strength is comparable to low and medium carbon steel.