Studies on the mechanical properties of steel–TiB2 composites obtained by high pressure sintering

Abstract

ABSTRACT The currently used composites produced by classical sintering methods are characterised by numerous limitations due to the difficulties in combining different materials with extreme properties. One of the ways to overcome these limitations is in the use of modern sintering methods, including the high pressure-high temperature process. This study describes the composite materials based on 316L austenitic steel reinforced with titanium diboride and examines the effect of sintering conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of sintered composites. It has been found that the key parameter in the manufacture of composites with optimal properties is the sintering time and temperature, while martensitic transformation taking place in the composite matrix can be controlled by the properly selected pressure applied during the sintering process.