In situ TiC-reinforced austenitic steel composite by self-propagating high temperature synthesis

Abstract

TiC-reinforced austenitic steel composites have been prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). The in situ reinforcement of a Fe-Mn-based austenitic steel matrix with TiC was achieved upon aluminothermic reduction of iron oxide (Fe2O3), manganese dioxide (MnO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) powders in the presence of carbon (C). This highly exothermic thermite reaction was found to produce in situ the Fe-Mn-TiC austenitic steel composites. The reaction kinetics, recovery of Mn and TiC, yield of metal, and composite microstructure were found to strongly depend on the process parameters, such as green composition, blending sequence, and average particle size of Al powder used as a reducing agent.