Fabrication of in situ TiB2 reinforced steel matrix composite by vacuum induction melting and its microstructure and tensile properties

TiB2 particulates reinforced steel matrix composites have been fabricated by a novel process with the combination of in situ and vacuum induction melting technique. With the in situ induction melting method, TiB2 particulates with a size of similar to 30 mu m are homogeneously distributed in the steel matrix. The tensile test results indicate that the content of TiB2 reinforcements has a significant effect on the microstructure and tensile properties of the composites. More content of TiB2 reinforcements results in more coarse TiB2 particulates, higher strength and smaller elongation. When the content of TiB2 reaches 13.0 vol.-%, the 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to rupture E-r are 425 MPa, 650 MPa and 9.0% respectively.