Cast iron is an iron alloy containing 2 wt.% – 4 wt.% carbon, 1 wt.% – 3 wt.% silicon, and smaller amounts of minor elements [1]. In comparison, steel has a lower carbon content of up to 2 wt.% and lower silicon content.

Cast iron can also be further optimized by alloying with small quantities of manganese, molybdenum, cerium, nickel, copper, vanadium, and titanium before being cast.

Depending on the silicon content of the cast iron, it is classified as either white cast iron or grey cast iron and may be treated further under particular temperatures to produce malleable or ductile cast iron.

Cast iron can be classified into grey cast iron, white cast iron, malleable cast iron, and ductile cast iron, depending on its composition.