Thermite Synthesis of TiC/FeNiCr Cermet with Double-Layer Structure

TiC/FeNiCr cermet with TiC particles as hard phases and FeNiCr alloy as binder phase was in situ synthesized by thermite reactions under high gravity. A double-layer structure was obtained, including an upper layer enriched with TiC particles and an under layer with few TiC particles. Between the two layers, no interfacial line, pores, or defaults existed. A large amount of needle-like Cr7C3 phases were homogeneously dispersed in the FeNiCr binder phase as multiple reinforcements. A braiding structure was formed between the precipitated NiAl phases and the matrix, where the two phases kept a coherent or semi-coherent relationship. The hardness and wear resistance were evaluated, and the upper layer possessed high hardness and excellent wear resistance.