Effects of chromium sources on the microstructure and properties of TiC-steel composites

The composites of low alloy steel reinforced with TiC particles (36 wt-%) were prepared by conventional powder metallurgy process in this paper. The chromium in the steel matrix was provided by pure chromium powder (PCP), low carbon ferrochrome powder, medium carbon ferrochrome powder (MCFP) and high carbon ferrochrome powder. The SEM was used to observe the particle morphology and microstructure. Density, hardness and transverse rupture strength (TRS) of the samples were tested. The results show that the composite prepared with the PCP as a chromium source has low hardness and TRS and the composites prepared with different ferrochrome powders have higher hardness and TRS. The microstructures of the samples prepared with different chromium sources have some differences and provide the differences in mechanical properties and fracture morphology. The sample prepared with the MCFP as chromium source has the highest comprehensive performance after tempering: hardness 70 HRC and TRS 1752 MPa.