In situ Synthesis of TiB₂ Particulate Locally Reinforced Steel Matrix Composite by the Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis Reaction of Al-Fe-Ti-B System during Casting

Abstract

In-situ TiB₂ particulate locally reinforced steel matrix composites were successfully fabricated by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction of 10Al-20Fe-Ti-B and 40Al-20Fe-Ti-B systems, respectively, in the molten high chromium alloy steel during casting. Microstructure analysis of the composite showed that the interface bonding between the matrix and locally reinforced region is very good and the locally reinforced region consists of three different regions, i.e. the Fe-rich region, the fine dispersion of TiB₂ particulates region and the larger TiB₂ particulates region. The wear test showed that the wear resistance of the locally reinforced regions of the composites is higher than that of the steel matrix.