In situ TiC particles reinforced grey cast iron composite fabricated by laser cladding of Ni–Ti–C system

Abstract

Grey cast iron matrix composite reinforced with in situ synthesized TiC particles has been fabricated successfully from a precursor mixture of nickel, titanium and graphite (Ni–Ti–C) powders by laser cladding. TiC particles with various shapes and sizes were in situ formed mainly during the solidification and most shapes of TiC particles were diversiform according to different contents of Ti–C powder in the Ni–Ti–C system. The morphologies of TiC were of dendritic, flower-like and large blocky shapes. The growth mechanism of the blocky TiC particles with cores is nucleation-growth. Compared to those unreinforced grey cast iron matrix, the hardness and the wear resistance of TiC reinforced grey cast iron composite were significantly enhanced.