Steel Matrix Composites Research Articles

Effect of active powder addition on the mechanical properties of TiCp/manganese steel matrix composites

Abstract Different active powders were incorporated into TiC particle (TiCp) preforms of TiCp/manganese steel matrix composites to enhance the TiC/steel interfacial bonding. The effect of the active powders on bending strength and toughness of the composites was investgated. The composites were fabricated using a squeeze casting infiltration method, with a TiCp volume fraction of 50%. The active powders were mixed powders of Fe and tungsten carbide (WC), Ni and WC, and Ni and Si, respectively. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyze the interfacial microstructure of the composites. The results show that the addition of WCp results in the formation of a (W, Ti)C layer around TiCps, thereby strengthening the interfacial bonding. Conversely, the addition of Fe powder leads to the presence of significant glass-phase material at the interface, which is prone to cracking. Consequently, the composite with active Ni+WC exhibits notably higher bending strength (680.3 MPa) and impact toughness (7.7 J cm−2) compared to the composite with active Fe+WC (574.3 MPa and 2.6 J cm−2), with increases of 18.5% and 196.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the composite with active Ni+Si demonstrates the highest bending strength (886.7 MPa) and good toughness (4.3 J cm−2), which are 54.4% and 65.4% higher than those of the Fe+WC active composite, respectively, and its strength is 30.3% greater than that of the Ni+WC active composite. This improvement is attributed to enhanced wettability between TiCp and the matrix.

Corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel reinforced by dispersed yttria stabilized zirconia fabricated by spark plasma sintering

This paper evaluates the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS316L) matrix composites reinforced with 3% yttria-doped zirconia (3Y·ZrO2), fabricated using the spark plasma sintering. Four different compositions were produced (SS316L, SS316L-5%vol. 3Y.ZrO2, SS316L-10% vol. 3Y.ZrO2, and SS316L-20% vol. 3Y.ZrO2) and primarily assessed for their corrosion resistance evaluated via immersion tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Additionally, densification, surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized as complementary. Densification was measured using the Archimedes method, while surface and microstructural characteristics were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were determined through microhardness testing. The results indicate that higher 3Y·ZrO2 content decreases densification and induces porosity, which contributes to localized corrosion. Despite the presence of porosity, microhardness improved with increasing 3Y·ZrO2 content. Additionally, immersion and EIS tests revealed that 5% of 3Y·ZrO2 enhances corrosion resistance. However, in composites with 10% and 20% 3Y·ZrO2, porosity compromises corrosion resistance by degrading passivation. Notably, composites with 5% 3Y·ZrO2 demonstrated significantly better corrosion resistance compared to pure SS316L and the other compositions, highlighting their potential for practical applications.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Rod-Reinforced TWIP Steel Composites: Fabrication, Microstructural Analysis, and Heat Treatment Evaluation

This study investigates the development and characterization of ceramic rod-reinforced TWIP (twinning-induced plasticity) steel matrix composites, produced using the lost foam casting technique. Mechanical tests revealed a substantial improvement in both flexural strength and ductility, with the composite demonstrating more than double the strength of unreinforced TWIP steel. Furthermore, a simple low-temperature heat treatment further enhanced these properties, increasing the flexural strength of the composite to 1023 MPa while also improving its ductility. The improvement in mechanical performance is attributed to the formation of additional twins in the TWIP steel matrix during deformation following heat treatment, which resulted in further strengthening of the matrix.

Simultaneously improve the strength and ductility of additively manufactured Y2O3/316 L composites via optimizing heat treatment

The effect of heat treatment temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Y2O3/316 L composites prepared by laser powder bed fusion was studied. The cellular substructures formed in the as-built samples remained stable when heat-treated at 1000 °C and disappeared as the temperature increased to 1100 °C. Compared with the as-built sample, a larger number of fine particles precipitated in the sample at 1000 °C, and the particles were significantly coarsened at 1100 °C. Under the stress-induced grain boundary migration mechanism, the grains undergo coarsening. The samples heat-treated at 1000 °C had the best combination of strength and ductility compared to the other samples. The high strength of the samples can be attributed to the retention of the cellular substructure and the enhancement of the Orowan strengthening mechanism. The high ductility of the sample is brought about by the formation of the twinned structure. The heat treatment developed in this work for the additive manufacturing of steel matrix composites to tailor its microstructure and mechanical properties for its various applications is critical.

Influence of Ceramic Size and Morphology on Interface Bonding Properties of TWIP Steel Matrix Composites Produced by Lost-Foam Casting

This study investigated the fabrication and characterization of large ceramic-reinforced TWIP (twinning-induced plasticity) steel matrix composites using the lost-foam casting technique. Various ceramic shapes and sizes, including blocky, flaky, rod-like, and granular forms, were evaluated for their suitability as reinforcement materials. The study found that rod-like and granular ceramics exhibited superior structural integrity and formed strong interfacial bonds with the TWIP steel matrix compared to blocky and flaky ceramics, which suffered from cracking and fragmentation. Detailed microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and industrial computed tomography (CT) revealed the mechanisms influencing the composite formation. The results demonstrated that rod-like and granular ceramics are better for reinforcing TWIP steel composites, providing excellent mechanical stability and enhanced performance. This work contributes to the development of advanced composite structures with potential applications in industries requiring high-strength and durable materials.

Microstructure and properties of in situ TiCP/Mn18Cr2 architecture composites

In situ TiC ceramic particle-reinforced steel matrix composites, typically produced via liquid metal infiltration of unstructured preforms, often demonstrate issues with composite areas being prone to fracture. To address this problem, particles with an average diameter of 3 mm were constructed and used to fabricate preforms. Using the in situ self-generation method, the composites were then synthesised with liquid Mn18Cr2. To control the degree of in situ spontaneous reaction, moderator alloy powders at concentrations of 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.% were utilised. The results reveal that the TiC particle size in the composites gradually decreases as the moderator concentration in the preform increases, reducing from 1.31 to 0.92 μm. The microhardness and elastic modulus at the composite interfaces are intermediate between those of the TiC ceramic particles and the high manganese steel matrix. The inclusion of millimetre-scale architecture enhances the tensile strength of the composites, with tensile strength gradually increasing as the moderator content decreases. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of how moderator content influences the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC-reinforced Mn18Cr2 composites, providing valuable insights for the development of high-performance structural materials.

Effect of Ni on the mechanical and corrosion properties of TiC-reinforced steel matrix composites

Particle-reinforced steel matrix composites typically lead to a decrease in corrosion resistance while enhancing mechanical properties. However, steel matrix composites for marine applications require superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this study, 8 vol% TiC/Fe–C composites were prepared using the master alloy method. The effects of Ni contents (0, 1.2 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 2.0 wt%, and 2.4 wt%) on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the composites were evaluated. Results indicated that the tensile strength, elongation, and corrosion resistance of the composites initially increased and then decreased with increasing Ni content. The σUTS and εf of Ni2.0 composites increased from 536 MPa and 4.1 % for Ni0 to 1100 MPa and 9.0 %, respectively. The icorr and corrosion rate of the Ni2.0 composite were 0.440 μA/cm2 and 0.0057 mm/year, respectively. The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of TiC particle-reinforced steel matrix composites were simultaneously enhanced by the addition of 2.0 wt% Ni. The increase in strength is mainly attributed to changes in thermal mismatch resulting from Ni addition, solid solution strengthening of the Fe–Ni solid solution, and improved interface compatibility between the TiC particles and the matrix, thus enhancing load transfer efficiency. The increase in plasticity can be attributed to the significant improvement in interface deformation compatibility with Ni addition. The increase in corrosion resistance primarily results from the steel matrix alloying, uniform distribution of TiC particles, and strong interface bonding between the particles and the matrix.

A multifaceted approach using RVE homogenization methodology for identification of elastoplastic behavior of steel matrix composite: Application to deep-drawing process

The integration of cutting-edge materials and computational methods is now essential in contemporary engineering, especially in sectors where a deep comprehension of the mechanical behavior of reinforced composite materials is crucial. In this context, steel matrix composites, enhanced with reinforcing elements like TiB2, have garnered attention due to their potential for superior mechanical properties and wide-ranging applications. This article explores an innovative computational framework based on the Representative Volume Element (RVE) concept to examine the elastoplastic properties of a ferritic steel matrix reinforced with ceramic particles (TiB2). The finite element analysis (FEA) is performed with periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) to apply the specified loading to the RVE. As a first endeavor, the developed multi-faceted approach provides a broader perspective on shear behavior and the elastoplastic composite’s properties of Fe-TiB2 for various reinforcement volume fractions. Then, the focus of this study lies in its application to the deep-drawing process, a critical manufacturing operation with significant implications in industries such as automotive and aerospace. The established approach for homogenizing elasto-plastic Fe-TiB2 composites is applied to analyze the influence of reinforcement variation on several critical aspects during the deep-drawing process, including formability, forming force, Von Mises stress distribution, and logarithmic strain.

In-situ synthesis and characterization of lightweight steel matrix composites reinforced by TiB2

This study aimed to synthesize lightweight steels in situ reinforced with 5 % and 10 vol% of TiB2 and evaluate the microstructural, physical, and mechanical properties. The Fe-(15;20 wt%)Mn-3 wt%Al-0.1 wt%C with 5 and 10 vol% of TiB2 were produced by spray forming followed by hot rolling and annealing. The concept of varying the manganese content was to assess the influence of the matrix constitution on the composite properties. The findings pointed to a direct correlation between the manganese content and the size and morphology of the TiB2 particles. The presence of the ceramic particles re-established the modulus of elasticity above 200 GPa only for composites with a predominantly ferritic matrix. The composites with a matrix composed mostly of austenite showed no gains in ductility during the tensile tests despite the activation of the TWIP effect. However, their wear behavior stands out positively.

Effects of graphene addition on the mechanical, friction and corrosion properties of laser powder bed fusion 316L stainless steel

Laser powder bed fusion of 316 L (LPBF-316 L) has been known to exhibit high ductility but low strength, along with strong corrosion resistance and weak anti-friction properties. Graphene is commonly utilized as a reinforcement phase in metals fabricated through LPBF, as this process helps reduce the tendency of graphene to agglomerate. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the impact of incorporating graphene into the LPBF-316 L alloy, aiming to enhance toughening and anti-friction properties while maintaining the original corrosion resistance. Various concentrations of graphene were incorporated into 316 L powder and processed using LPBF. The study examined the impact of graphene concentration on the electrochemical, mechanical, and friction properties of the resulting composites. The study revealed a significant reduction in corrosion current from 8.05 ± 0.6 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 6.61 ± 0.8 × 10−8 A/cm2. The 15-day immersion experiment further validated that the incorporation of graphene contributed to enhancing the stability of corrosion resistance. Additionally, the presence of graphene led to improved strength and ductility in LPBF-316 L through grain refinement and precipitation. Notably, samples containing 0.2 wt% graphene exhibited a tensile fracture strength of 927.4 MPa and ductility of 54.75%. In addition, the compressive fracture strength of 2342.8 MPa, both surpassing that of LPBF-316 L. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of graphene content on the friction of LPBF-316 L, revealing that graphene addition increased matrix hardness, reduced COF, and enhanced wear resistance. Overall, the findings suggest that graphene serves as an effective reinforcing agent for 316 L stainless steel matrix composites, enhancing mechanical properties, friction resistance, and wear resistance while preserving original corrosion resistance.

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of selective laser melted cast carbide reinforced 316 L stainless steel matrix composites

Limited research has been conducted on the selective laser melting (SLM) process for metal matrix composites characterized by high ceramic reinforcement ratios. This investigation explores the viability of the SLM process, particularly the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, for cast tungsten carbide (CC) particle-reinforced 316 L stainless steel composites with CC content ranging from 30 to 40 vol%. A specialized Ni plating procedure was implemented to modify the surface of the original CC particles (Ni/CC) prior to SLM processing. The study revealed that Ni plating plays a pivotal role in enhancing the relative density of the SLMed 316 L-40 vol% Ni/CC composite, while concurrently safeguarding the CC particles from thermal damage during the SLM process. Through a comprehensive design of experiments, the optimal SLM processing parameters were ascertained to maximize the relative density of both 316 L-30 vol% and 40 vol% Ni/CC composites. Moreover, compared to pure 316 L stainless steel, higher CC proportions significantly improved the hardness, compression strength, and wear resistance of the SLMed 316 L-CC composites.

Experimental analysis and modeling of mixed hardening of Steel Matrix Composites under monotonic and reverse simple shear loading: Application to SPIF process

This study explores the distinctive characteristics of Steel Matrix Composites (SMCs) reinforced with TiB2, concentrating on their hardening behavior during simple shear tests. The analysis considers an elastoplastic model with Isotropic and Mixed hardening. Emphasizing the necessity of kinematic hardening, experimental characterizations using EBSD and XRD highlight effects of matrix grain size and reinforcement impact on mechanical properties. Validation of the numerical model through Stress-Strain curves reveals a strong correlation, particularly with the mixed hardening model under reverse shear loading. Comprehending SMC strain hardening is crucial for optimizing parameters and numerically designing forming processes, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Mechanisms of microstructural evolution in high-volume TiC reinforced steel composites: Insights into particle coarsening, morphology, and thermochemical reactions

Titanium carbides reinforced steel matrix (TiC-steel) composites exhibit a range of excellent properties, including increased strength-to-weight ratio, high-temperature strength, and outstanding wear resistance. Prior research has demonstrated that the mechanical properties of TiC-steel composites are significantly affected by particle coarsening and the associated core-rim structure. Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanisms of thermochemical reactions that govern the formation of the final microstructure in these composites, including the core-rim structure, remain incompletely explored. This study elucidates the microstructure evolution mechanism of high-volume TiC-steel composites, particularly particle coarsening, through thermodynamic calculations and chemical analysis. The investigation unveils the coarsening process, shedding light on the formation of more stable phases and associated compositional changes, including the incorporation of substitutional elements and carbon depletion (resulting in low stoichiometry, x < 1) within the newly developed (Ti,M)Cx. Additionally, the increased carbon content contributes to pearlite emergence within the steel matrix. Notably, key factors influencing the distinct morphologies observed in growing TiC particles are identified, attributed to variations in Mo, V, and W concentrations, as elucidated by rigorous thermodynamic and first-principles calculations. This study represents significant progress in understanding the intricate microstructure development of high-volume TiC-steel composites.

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

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.

Multi-scale hybrid reinforced super duplex stainless steel matrix composites with high strength and ductility via laser powder bed fusion and an in-situ synthesis strategy

The emergence of nanoparticle-reinforced metal matrix composites represents a promising method for efficiently enhancing material strength without significant compromise in ductility. Nevertheless, the homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in matrix remains a technical challenge. To address this issue, this study designed an advanced method to create a multi-scale hybrid to reinforce super duplex stainless steels (SDSSs) by coupling laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique with an in-situ synthesis strategy and optimizing post heat treatment. For as-built composites, both TiCxNy and M23C6 nanoparticles were generated in-situ by the introduction of micron-sized TiC particles into SDSSs, and their microstructure was mainly composed of fine ferrite grains. The post quenching treatment enabled heat-treated composites to possess micro-duplex matrix grains with a multi-scale hybrid, including micron-sized TiC, in-situ sub-micron M23C6 particles, and in-situ TiCxNy nanoparticles. Particularly, the obvious agglomeration phenomenon of in-situ TiCxNy nanoparticles was not observed. In comparison with heat-treated SDSSs (ultimate tensile strength (UTS): ∼839 MPa; uniform elongation (UE): ∼20.6 %), heat-treated composites processed by 1090 °C obtained a higher UTS (∼992 MPa) with only 0.8 % reduction in UE. The great ductility of heat-treated composites was primarily attributed to their relatively high strain hardening rate, facilitated by grain refinement and the formed multi-scale hybrid. The successful creation of a multi-scale hybrid sets the stage for producing high-performance metallic components via LPBF and in-situ strategy.

Impact-abrasive wear property of ZrO2 toughened Al2O3 ceramic particles reinforced high manganese steel matrix composites

ZrO2-toughened Al2O3 (ZTA) ceramic particle–reinforced high manganese steel (HMS) matrix composites are a promising class of wear-resistant structural materials for various purposes such as mining. In this study, millimeter-scale ZTA/HMS composites were prepared by cast infiltration method. Using SEM, EPMA, TEM, nanoindentation, a microhardness tester, and an impact-abrasive wear machine, the microscopic characteristics of interfacial layers, work-hardening behaviors, impact-abrasive wear properties, and wear failure mechanism were investigated. The results show a smooth and continuous interfacial layer between ZTA and the matrix. This layer is dominated by an amorphous structure, and the hardness and modulus of the interfacial layer reached 6 and 200 GPa, respectively. The relative wear resistance of the composites under impact (energies of 2–5 J) was between 2.17 and 0.59, and the depth of the work-hardening layer amounted to 0.95–2.95 mm. The wear failure mechanism of the composites was as follows: at a low impact energy (2 J), micro-cutting, grooving, fatigue spalling, and wedge formation occurred. When the impact energy was increased to 5 J, the wear mechanism of the composites was dominated by the breaking and shedding of the ZTA particles. This study has practical importance because it is based on the problems and needs of composites in actual production.

Effects of Mn on the interface bonding and mechanical properties of TiC reinforced steel matrix composites

The addition of alloying elements to the steel matrix during the preparation process can significantly affect the properties of TiC reinforced steel matrix composites. In this study, the effects of Mn on the electronic structure and crystal structure stability of Fe supercells, along with as well as the stability of the TiC/Fe(Mn) interface, were analyzed through first-principles calculations. Additionally, 8 vol% TiC/Fe–C composites were prepared through the master alloy method. The effects of Mn contents (0, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 wt%) on the interface mismatch and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results revealed that Mn formed a solid solution and generated a stronger Fe–Mn bond compared with the Fe–Fe bond, and no interface chemical reaction occurred. The addition of a small amount of Mn improved the interface bonding between TiC particles and the steel matrix. The TiC particles were uniformly distributed in the matrix at the grain boundaries, with only a small amount dispersed within the grains. The TiC particles and steel matrix exhibited excellent, continuous, and stable interface bonding. The addition of Mn reduced the interface mismatch between TiC particles and the matrix. As the Mn content increased, the tensile strength and elongation of the composites first increased and then decreased, while the hardness of the composites increased. The addition of 1.2 wt% Mn resulted in an increase in the tensile strength, elongation, and hardness of the composite by 1160 MPa, 7.3%, and 43 HRC, respectively. These values were 109.8%, 151.7%, and 31.1% higher than those of the composite without Mn addition. However, an excess of Mn led to severe distortion of the Fe lattice and clustering at the interface, resulting in the degradation of the mechanical properties in the composites.

Effect of Tungsten Carbide Additions on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of M2 High-Speed Steel Matrix Composites

Effect of Tungsten Carbide Additions on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of M2 High-Speed Steel Matrix Composites

Effects of the volume fraction on the microstructural and mechanical properties of TiCp/high-manganese steel composites

To improve the adaptability to complex shaped products, TiC particulates (TiCp) reinforced high-manganese steel matrix (TiCp/HMS) composites were prepared by the squeeze casting infiltration method, and the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated, with different TiCp volume fractions (35%, 50%, 65%). Water glass was applied as binder in the TiCp preforms, in which iron powder was added to adjust the TiCp fractions, and Si powder to activate the bonding of TiCp/steel interface. The results showed that with the increase of the volume fraction, the hardness of the composites increases gradually, with the highest reaching 60.7 HRC at 65 % TiCp, which is 2.7 times that of the matrix. However, the bending strength decreases gradually, with the maximum 439.0 MPa obtained at 35% TiCp. The impact toughness of the composites changes slightly. Due to the use of water glass, brittle glass phase is formed at the TiCp/steel interface, which reduces the mechanical properties of the composites. The addition of Si powder can improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of the composites.

Research and developments of ceramic-reinforced steel matrix composites—a comprehensive review

Research and developments of ceramic-reinforced steel matrix composites—a comprehensive review