Abstract:
Ceramic particle-reinforced Fe-2Cu-0.6C low-alloy steel composites (SiC, TiC, and TiB
2 ceramic particles in the mass fraction of 0~1.6%) were prepared by the conventional powder pressing/sintering technology at 600 MPa and 1140℃, the microstructures and mechanical properties of composites were investigated. The results show a good interface bonding between the reinforced particles (SiC and TiB
2) and the matrix because of the reaction during sintering. The Brinell hardness and tensile strength of the sintered composites added with 1.6% SiC particles by mass increase by 35.9% and 69.4%, respectively, compared with those of Fe-2Cu-0.6C matrix. When 1.2% TiB
2 particles by mass are introduced, the hardness and tensile strength of the sintered composites increase by 77.9% and 72.6%, respectively, compared with those of the matrix. Meanwhile, it is noted that the relative density of the TiB
2-reinforced low-alloy steel composite also increases by 5.3%. The addition of TiC particles has little effect on the Brinell hardness and tensile strength of the composites due to no reaction between TiC particles and the matrix.