Fe–TiB₂ composites produced through casting technique

Abstract

A hypereutectic composition of α-Fe(Co)–TiB₂ composite was produced in strip and rod form through casting technique. The phases observed in the composite consisted of α-Fe(Co) and TiB₂. Primary TiB₂ particles in the rod measured upto 50 µm while for strip the size remained upto 20 µm. Hardness and elastic modulus values of 33.7 and 504 GPa were obtained for the TiB₂ particles respectively. Coarse grains and lamellar α-Fe(Co)–TiB₂ eutectic was observed in the rod while the microstructure was finer in the strip. The matrix possessed a hardness of ∼6 GPa. TiB₂ particles possessed low indentation fracture toughness. Good homogeneity and better distribution of microstructural features resulted in less scatter in the values of hardness and elastic modulus.

KEYWORDS:

• Metal matrix composites
• high modulus steel
• titanium diboride
• eutectic
• nanoindentation
• indentation fracture toughness

Acknowledgement

The author is thankful to DMSE IST Islamabad for allowing to use the SEM facility.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This research work was carried out through the funds provided for the promotion of research in faculties by the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Pakistan.