The influence of reinforcing particles on mechanical and tribological properties and microstructure of the steel-TiB 2 composites

Abstract

AbstrAct Purpose: The present work aims to investigate the effect of the reinforcing ceramic particles on the mechanical and tribological properties and microstructure of the steel-TiB 2 composites. Design/methodology/approach: The austenitic AISI316L stainless steel reinforced with 10 vol.% and 20 vol.% TiB 2 particles was produced using the high temperature-high pressure (HT-HP) method. The sintering process was carried out at pressure of 7.0±0.2 GPa and temperature of 1200°C for 60 seconds. Density of sintered materials was measured according to the Archimedes principle. Mechanical properties were determined by Vickers hardness and compression test. The friction coefficient was measured using ball-on-disk method. This tests were realized at room temperature. Microstructural observations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. Findings: The materials were characterized by very high level of consolidation, which was equal to 96% for composites with 10 vol.% and 20 vol.% TiB