In-situ synthesis and characteristics of TiC−Fe cermet graded composite coating on a steel substrate

Abstract

By means of an inherent elevated-temperature of poured liquid steel, a Ti-C-30 wt% Fe preform, which was pre-placed in a mould cavity, was directly ignited and a combustion synthesis reaction took place. As a result, a TiC−Fe cermet coating with a thickness of about 10 mm was simutaneously synthesized on the solidified steel matrix. The synthesized coating exhibits a feature of graded composite structure, in which both the amount and size of TiC particles decrease gradually with an increasing distance from the furface of the coating. Moreover, by a proper casting technique, the pores formed during the combustion synthesis of the preform could be centrally distributed in 2–3 mm in outer layer of the coating. When this outer porous layer was worn off, the rest coating with a thickness of about 8 mm possesses a dense structure and a high abrasive wear resistance.