Microstructure and mechanical properties of FeCrCoMnNi matrix composite reinforced by TiC particle

FeCrCoMnNi matrix composites reinforced by TiC particle were prepared by mechanical ball milling and spark plasma sintering. Effects of TiC content and sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results show that the composites are composed of FCC matrix and TiC and Cr23C6 carbide reinforcement, and the amount of Cr23C6, formed by the reaction between Cr and C, increased with the content of added TiC. The reinforcement distributed relatively uniform in the composites for the samples fabricated at 1000 ℃, when the TiC content ranges between 1 wt.% to 9 wt.%. The sintering temperature has a significant effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties, the samples sintered at 1000 ℃ or 1050 ℃ have a relatively uniform microstructure and exhibit better mechanical properties. The hardness and room temperature yield strength of sample with 7 wt.% TiC are about 2.5 times and 3 times respectively of that without TiC, due to the strengthening effect of both TiC and Cr23C6 carbide reinforcement.