Sintering and Mechanical Properties of (SiC + TiCx)p/Fe Composites Synthesized from Ti3AlC2, SiC, and Fe Powders

Abstract

Ceramic-particle-reinforced iron matrix composites (CPR-IMCs) have been used in many fields due to their excellent performance. In this study, using the fast resistance-sintering technology developed by our team, iron matrix composites (IMCs) reinforced by both SiC and TiCx particles were fabricated via the addition of SiC and Ti3AlC2 particles, and the resulting relative densities of the sintering products were up to 98%. The XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the in situ formation of the TiCx from the decomposition of Ti3AlC2 during sintering. A significant hybrid reinforcing effect was discovered in the (SiC + TiCx)p/Fe composites, where the experimental strength and hardness of the (SiC + TiCx)p/Fe composites were higher than the composites of monolithic SiCp/Fe and (TiCx)p/Fe. While, under the condition of constant particle content, the elongation of the samples reinforced using TiCx was the best, those reinforced by SiC was the lowest, and those reinforced by (SiC + TiCx) fell in between, which means the plastic response of (SiC + TiCx)p/Fe composites obeyed the rule of mixture. The successful preparation of IMCs based on the hybrid reinforcement mechanism provides an idea for the optimization of IMCs.

Fabrication of Cu-adhered silicon carbide particles and its effect on properties of Fe-based matrix composites

“…In addition, SiC is inexpensive and easily available. The variety of advantages make SiC a promising reinforcement for use in manufacturing particle-reinforced metal matrix composites, and this has been widely used to strengthen various metal materials [9][10][11][12].…”

Feasibility of Cobalt-Free Nanostructured WC Cutting Inserts for Machining of a TiC/Fe Composite

“…The method is advantageous because of substantial energy savings, a short sintering time of a few minutes, and reasonably low temperatures between 1300 and 1800 • C. In addition, fabrication of such cutting tools out of WC nanopowders does not require binders and eliminates expensive and timeconsuming mixing procedures, which results in further savings. In this respect, researchers have provided a better understanding of the consolidation process and lead to a patented cutting tool WolCar material [15]. Further scientific benefits result from investigations of its structure, strength, wear resistance, and feasibility to the practical application for machining of the difficult-to-cut TiC/Fe composites.…”