Rapid Sintering of Ultrafine Titanium Carbides Reinforced In Situ Iron Matrix Composites by High-Frequency Induction Heating

In situ titanium carbides reinforced iron matrix composites were synthesized by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) of mechanically mixed ferrotitanium and carbon black powders. The phase, microstructure of the composites sintered at 1200 degrees C and the influence of Ti/C atom ratio on the density and hardness of the specimens were studied. Moreover, the wear performance of the composites was investigated. The results show that ultrafine titanium carbide particulates with a size of similar to 0.5 mu m were homogeneously distributed in the matrix by the HFIHS technique. Lower Ti/C ratio results in lower density, but higher hardness. Wear tests indicate that the TiC/Fe composites possess excellent wear resistance under the condition of dry sliding with heavy loads.