Abstract
In this study, four composites with different ZrB2 content were made by the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS/FAST) technique. The sintering process was carried out at 1373 K for 5 min under an argon atmosphere. The effect of ZrB2 reinforcing phase content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical and tribological properties of composites was investigated. The results were compared with experimental data obtained for 316L austenitic stainless steel without the reinforcing phase. The results showed that the ZrB2 content significantly affected the tested properties. With the increasing content of the ZrB2 reinforcing phase, there was an increase in the Young’s modulus and hardness and an improvement in the abrasive wear resistance of sintered composites. In all composites, new fine precipitates were formed and distributed in the steel matrix and along the grain boundaries. Microstructural analysis (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS)) has revealed that the fine precipitates chromium contained chromium as well as boron.
Highlights
Powder metallurgy is the most attractive producing route for these types of particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composites
The use of powder metallurgy for the manufacture of metal matrix composites allows obtaining a diffusive bond between the matrix and the reinforcing phase
The SPS/FAST method is based on the simultaneous application of pressure and pulsed current [11,12]
Summary
Powder metallurgy is the most attractive producing route for these types of particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composites. Iron-based alloys are very often used as a matrix of metal-based composite materials, this is mainly due to the low manufacturing cost, high mechanical properties and satisfactory wear resistance [16,17,18]. The introduction of hard ceramic particles into the steel matrix improves the mechanical and tribological properties of such composites [19,20]. The authors demonstrated that the introduction of fine TiB2 ceramic particles into the steel matrix is a good way to improve the mechanical properties of composite materials. The main objective of the present study is to determine the effect of content of the reinforcing ZrB2 phase on density, microstructure and properties of composites based on 316L austenitic stainless steel
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