Combustion synthesis also known as self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) is a new method for the manufacturing of advanced materials. The production of (Ti,W)C monocarbide and its combination with binders of iron group metals, using the SHS method, is potentially feasible. The direct synthesis of (Ti,W)C in an iron matrix has been studied using this technique. The novel characteristic of this composites is that the tungsten exchange in the monocarbide phase may be controlled to achieve a desire carbide density for addition to the molten steel as a master alloy. The effect of the W/Ti ratio of the initial mixture on the microstructure and carbide morphology of the final product was investigated. The morphology and composition of the carbide phase as well as the chemistry of the metal matrix, evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, depends upon the tungsten-to-titanium ratio of the reagents. A combination of WC and (W,Ti)C in an iron matrix, with various morphologies, could be obtained. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
