Effect of Matrix and Reinforcement Powder Types on Tensile and Wear Properties of TiB/Ti and TiC/Ti Composites Prepared by SPS

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys have low density, high specific strength, high fatigue strength, and good corrosion resistance. However, today they are underutilized in industry due to their high cost and poor wear resistance. To further improve their properties, TiB- and TiC-reinforced Ti matrix composites (TiB/Ti and TiC/Ti) were produced by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. The TiB and TiC distributions in the composites strongly affected their mechanical properties. We focused on how the matrix powder morphology and size affected their properties. Hydride-dehydride (HDH) and gas-atomized (GA) pure Ti powders with different powder sizes were used as a matrix, and TiB2 or TiC powders were used as a reinforcement. We investigated the microstructures, the tensile properties, and the Vickers microhardnesses of the composites. The ultimate tensile strengths and the Vickers microhardnesses of the composites containing smaller HDH powders were higher than those containing GA powders.