Abstract: A method for producing a selectively surface hardened cast iron part includes the steps of (a) heating the part to a desired austempering temperature of between about 450.degree. F. and about 800.degree. F. until the entire cast iron part possesses the desired austempering temperature substantially uniformly throughout it; (b) heating only the surface of the cast iron part to an austenitizing temperature of between about 1500.degree. F. and about 1800.degree. F. by immersing the cast iron part in a molten lead or tin bath until a desired thickness of an austenite layer is formed on the surface of the cast iron part, without substantial heating of the interior of the cast iron part; (c) quenching the surface-heated cast iron part in a non-liquid quenching bath atmosphere, i.e.

Abstract: A highly abrasion-resistant, high-chromium white cast iron alloy containing the following elemental analysis in percent by weight: 2.4-3.8% carbon, 0.4 to 2.0% manganese, 0.2 to 1.9% silicon, 0.0 to 3.0% copper, 1.5 to 4.5% nickel, 12.0 to 29.0% chromium, and the remainder iron; and super-hardened by placement in a cooling medium at a temperature of at least -55.degree. C. for a time sufficient to cause the iron alloy to have a hardness of at least about 700 HB.

Abstract: A cast-iron product has a composition of 4.3-4.9 wt. % Carbon Equivalent (CE), 0.25-0.5 wt. % Chromium (Cr), 0.05-0.12 wt. % Tin (Sn), 0.4-1.2 wt. % Manganese (Mn), 0-0.1 wt. % Phosphorus (P), and 0-0.15 wt. % Sulfur (S), with the balance being Iron (Fe). A brake assembly comprises a sliding element made of such a cast iron, and the sliding element is adapted to slideably contact with a friction element or elements made of non-asbestos material and constitute the assembly. Further, a method of producing a cast iron product comprises the steps of casting a cast iron having a composition of 4.3-4.9 wt. % Carbon Equivalent (CE), 0.25-0.5 wt. % Chromium (Cr), 0.05-0.12 wt. % Tin (Sn), 0.4-1.2 wt. % Manganese (Mn), 0-0.1 wt. % Phosphorus (P), and 0-0.15 wt. % Sulfur (S), with the balance being Iron (Fe), releasing a mold at a temperature not less than A.sub.1 allotropic transformation temperature, and cooling the cast iron at a relatively high cooling rate.