Fabrication and properties of the TiC reinforced high-strength steel matrix composite

Abstract

The composite of 35CrMo high-strength steel matrix reinforced with TiC reinforcement (50 wt.%) has been produced by conventional powder metallurgy (PM). The sintering temperature and process for heating treatment were discussed. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the morphology and distribution of the reinforcement phase. Density, hardness, and transverse rupture strength (TRS) of the samples were analyzed. The results showed that the optimal sintering process for the composite is sintering at 1430 °C for 1 h and heat treatment process is annealing at 850 °C/30 min, quenching at 880 °C/30 min and then tempering at 560 °C/60 min. The composite after heat treatment has excellent mechanical properties with a relative density of 99.7%, hardness of 65 HRC, TRS of 1850 ± 20 MPa, respectively, and will be used as refractory moulds, cold work moulds and some gaskets, etc.