White cast iron is a type of carbon-iron alloy that contains carbon content greater than 2% in the form of cementite. The name white cast is derived from its white surface, which is caused by carbide impurities that allows cracks throughout the metal. When fractured it exhibits a silver-like (white) fracture.

What is the properties of white cast iron?

White cast iron has a light appearance due to the absence of graphite. It has a high compressive strength and retains good hardness and strength at higher temperatures. The presence of different carbides, depending on the alloy content, makes white cast irons extremely hard and abrasion resistant but very brittle.

In which form the carbon present in white cast iron?

In white cast irons, carbon is present in the form of an iron carbide. This iron carbide in white cast iron has the formula Fe3C . Complete step by step answer: In white cast irons, carbon is present as cementite which has the formula Fe3C .