Impact wear resistance of in-situ TiC particles reinforced Mn18Cr2 steel dual-scale architecture composites

Abstract

In this study, TiC particle-reinforced high-manganese-steel (Mn18Cr2) matrix composites were successfully prepared using an in-situ method, and a millimeter micrometer dual-scale architecture was constructed in the composites to further enhance their mechanical properties. The effects of different moderator contents in the precursor on the size, volume fraction, mechanical properties, and impact wear resistance of the generated TiC particles were primarily investigated. The results showed that the moderator considerably influenced the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. As the moderator content increased, the size, volume fraction, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of TiC particles decreased. The optimal comprehensive performance of the composites was obtained when the moderator content was 20 wt%., average TiC particle size was 1.21 μm, volume fraction was 64.9 %, bulk hardness was more than three times that of the matrix, compressive strength was ∼2 GPa, and relative wear resistance was 2.47 times that of the matrix. The main wear behaviors of composites included grooves, microcutting, pits, and plastic deformation. In conclusion, this study guides the design and synthesis of steel matrix composites with tunable in-situ ceramic particle sizes and volume fractions to enhance wear resistance.