Abstract: Composition and process for the manufacture of wear-resistant white iron, and articles made therefrom. A melt is solidified that contains iron, carbon and at least two carbide forming elements selected from silicon, manganese, chromium or mixtures thereof. Optionally, the melt contains one or more additional alloying elements selected from vanadium, titanium, molybdenum, aluminum or mixtures thereof. The alloying elements are incorporated in the melt in proportions and amounts sufficient to form, during solidification, a eutectic that is based on a metastable, non-cementite type carbide.

Abstract: A process for deforming white cast iron. A melt is prepared containing iron, carbon and one or more alloying elements. The melt is cooled at a rate of approximately 2.degree. C. per minute or faster to form a white cast iron material. The white cast iron material is annealed at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. below the solidus temperature of the white cast iron material. The white cast iron is plastically deformed.

Abstract: A process for forming porous articles. The method utilizes an enclosed vessel in which a base material is melted into a molten state. A gas, whose solubility in the base material decreases with decreasing temperature of the base material and increases with increasing pressure of the gas, is dissolved into the base material. Means are provided for cooling the base material while maintaining the gas at a predetermined pressure thereby causing the gas to precipitate during cooling forming pores in the solidified base material.