In-situ synthesis and characterization of TiC-reinforced hadfield manganese austenitic steel matrix composite

Abstract

An in-situ TiC-reinforced Hadfield manganese austenitic steel matrix composite has been synthesized by conventional melting and casting route. The microstructure has been characterized using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction. Hardness and abrasion resistance have also been measured. The microstructure of the as-cast composite consists of austenite, a-ferrite and (Fe, Mn)3C together with TiC particles. The microstructure of the solution-annealed (1 273 K for 36 ks) composite contains TiC particles in γ matrix. It has been observed that the abrasive wear resistance of the solution-annealed composite is significantly better than that of the solution-annealed austenitic manganese steel.