Fabrication ofin situTiB₂–TiC reinforced steel matrix composites by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

In situ TiB 2 and TiC particulates reinforced steel matrix composites have been fabricated using cheap ferrotitanium and boron carbide powders by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The sintering behaviour and the formation mechanism of the composite were studied. The results show that when the composite was sintered at 1050uC for 5 min, the maximum relative density and hardness of the composite are 99?2% and 83?8 HRA respectively. The phase evolution of the composite during sintering indicates that the TiB 2 and TiC reinforcements were formed in situ as follows: first, the solid/solid interface reaction between Fe 2 Ti and B 4 C, resulting in the formation of a small amount of TiB 2 and TiC below 950uC; second, the solid-liquid solution precipitation reaction in the Fe-Ti-B-C system, resulting in the formation of the main TiB 2 and TiC reinforcements at y1000uC.

Design of In Situ Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgy—A Critical Review

“…For instance, Li [55] used Fe 2 Ti e B 4 C to create TiB and TiC reinforced iron matrix composites. A mixture of boron carbide powders and ferrotitanium alloy was spark plasma sintered under temperatures ranging from 1073 to 1373 K for 5 min.…”

Effect of C/Ti ratio on the compressive properties and wear properties of the 50 vol.-% submicron-sized TiCx/2014Al composites fabricated by combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation

“…The proliferation of the in situ method used for preparing metal matrix composites is due to many factors, such as good interface between the reinforcement phase and matrix, pure reaction products with small ceramic size and stable properties. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Shu et al 3 investigated the compressive behaviours and abrasive wear resistance of the 50, 60 and 70 vol.-% TiC x / Al composites, which were prepared by the in situ method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation. The compressive strength of the three composites were 714, 815 and 744 MPa, respectively.…”

“…The proliferation of the in situ method used for preparing metal matrix composites is due to many factors, such as good interface between the reinforcement phase and matrix, pure reaction products with small ceramic size and stable properties. 6–11…”

Effects of different carbon sources on the compressive properties of in situ high-volume-fraction TiCx/2009Al composites

“…As known, in contrast to the ex situ methods, the in situ methods which takes the advantages of higher purity of the products and cleaner particle/matrix interface is more beneficial to the mechanical properties of the composites. 11 Combustion synthesis, as a more technically simple and energy efficient method, has been applied to prepare ceramic particles. 12 Among numerous ceramic candidates, TiC x , because of its high hardness, modulus and thermal stability, is an attractive ceramic material for use as a reinforcing phase in Al matrix composites (AMCs).…”

“…As known, in contrast to the ex situ methods, the in situ methods which takes the advantages of higher purity of the products and cleaner particle/matrix interface is more beneficial to the mechanical properties of the composites. 11…”