Preparation of TiC reinforced steel composites and their characterisation

Abstract

Carbide reinforced steel composites are useful in extensive wear resistance applications. Titanium carbide reinforced steel composites have been prepared by dissolving a TiC rich Fe–TiC master alloy in a liquid steel. The composites have been characterised by optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray scanning electron microscope analysis, image analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies. Tensile strength measurements showed that the ultimate tensile strengths varied between 790 and 880 MPa for composites containing 0·7–0·34 wt-%Ti. Some composites show better wear resistance properties in comparison with low alloy steels.