Fe–Ni–Cr alloy matrix composite reinforced by superhard in-situ TiB₂ produced through casting

ABSTRACT

Fe–7.2Ni–16.2Cr–7Ti–3B (wt-%) composition was melted and cast into strips producing an in-situ TiB₂ reinforcement within a stainless-steel matrix. The composite was characterised for microstructure and nanoindentation hardness. The microstructure consisted of in-situ formed particles of TiB₂ and fine eutectic of austenite–borides. Superhigh nanoindentation hardness of 47.2 GPa was measured on TiB₂ particles with 590.2 GPa elastic modulus while these values for the matrix were 6.95 and 277 GPa respectively.

On a fondu et coulé en bandes la composition Fe–7.2Ni–16.2Cr–7Ti–3B (% en poids), produisant sur place un renforcement de TiB₂ dans une matrice en acier inoxydable. On a caractérisé la microstructure et la dureté par nanopénétration du composite. La microstructure comprenait des particules de TiB₂ formées sur place et un eutectique fin d’austénite – borures. On a mesuré sur les particules de TiB₂ une dureté par nanopénétration supra haute de 47.2 GPa avec un module d’élasticité de 590.2 GPa alors que ces valeurs pour la matrice étaient respectivement de 6.95 et 277 GPa.

KEYWORDS:

• Metal matrix composites
• in-situ composites
• titanium diboride
• hardness
• microstructure
• eutectic
• nanoindentation
• stainless steel composites
• Fe–Cr–Ni composites

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

The results presented in this article form a part of a continuing study. The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings may be shared on request.