TiC Ceramic Particles Research Articles

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.

Prediction of tribological performance of Cu-Gr-TiC composites based on response surface methodology and worn surface analysis

In the current study, the prediction of tribological performance of Cu-Gr-TiC composites and its correlation with surface topography has been studied. For this purpose, the Cu-Gr composites reinforced with TiC ceramic particles were prepared via the powder metallurgy route. The prepared composites microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and dry sliding wear behaviour were assessed. A pin on disc setup was taken for tribological testing where sliding velocity is 1.5 m s−1. Wear behaviour of composites was examined using a central composite design (CCD) with three levels. The wear behavior optimization was accomplished through the utilization of response surface methodology (RSM). The input parameters in RSM consisted of sliding distance, varying load, and weight percentage (wt%) of reinforcements, while the wear rate and coefficient of friction served as the two responses. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) using RSM was conducted to identify the significant parameters influencing the wear rate and coefficient of friction. A quadratic model was suggested based on best fit and a regression equation was established for predicting the tribological properties at any given input parameter. Comparative of experimental and predicted values show close tolerance. It was observed that RSM is significant tool for predicting and optimizing the tribological properties. The composite having 3.08 wt% of TiC particles was optimized for minimum wear rate & COF at 20 N load and 2000 m sliding distance.

An investigation on wear and cavitation erosion-corrosion characteristics of the TiC modified Fe-based composite coating via laser cladding

Fe-based composite coating, modified with TiC ceramic particles, has been successfully manufactured on 304 stainless steel substrate by laser cladding technique in this paper. The phase distribution and microstructure of composite coating are carefully studied via some advanced techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDS and EBSD, meanwhile, the microhardness, wear resistance, electrochemical performance and cavitation corrosion resistance of composite coating and substrate are systematically tested. The obtained results reveal that the as-cladded composite coating is mainly composed of α-Fe, (Cr,Fe)7C3 and TiC. The introduction of TiC particles refined the microstructure inside the dendrites, at the same time the different forms of TiC particles are dispersively distributed in the composite coating. It is found the high microhardness is beneficial for the wear resistance of the coating. Compared with the matrix and some common engineering materials, although no obvious passivation zone is observed, the composite coating also exhibits superior electrochemical performance. Combining the excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties of the coating, the cavitation corrosion resistance of the composite coating has been significantly enhanced. A cavitation erosion resistance mechanism for composite coating has been proposed.

Enhancement of the electrochemical corrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V alloy reinforced by nano- and micro-TiC particles through directed energy deposition

Nano- and micro-size TiC ceramic particles were synergistically utilized for the reinforcement of Ti6Al4V alloy, manufactured through directed energy deposition. The corrosion current density of nano/micro-TiC/Ti6Al4V composite decreased by 23.7% and 74.6% compared to Ti6Al4V composites containing only TiC microparticles or only TiC nanoparticles, and by 77.8% compared to pure Ti6Al4V. A stable passive film of TiO2 with higher content of bound water is formed in nano/micro-TiC/Ti6Al4V composite specimen. The excellent electrochemical corrosion resistance of the nano/micro-TiC/Ti6Al4V composite is attributed to the α martensite transformation and the accumulation of [TiCl6]2- complexes, which promotes the formation of TiO2 passive film.

Influence of laser scanning power on microstructure and tribological behavior of NI-composite claddings fabricated on TC4 titanium alloy

PurposeThe demand for titanium alloys has received massive attention in the aerospace and automotive industry owing to their magnificent electrochemically compatibility and corrosion resistance, high strength at elevated temperatures and high strength-to-weight ratio. Although titanium alloy has impressive mechanical properties, they are challenging to machine or metal form due to its poor heat conductivity, high chemical reactivity, low modulus of elasticity, high friction coefficient and difficult lubricant that limits its application field and increases wear. However, surface treatment coating with the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy matrixes is novel technique to resolve these challenges. This research will illustrate the influence of laser scanning power on the microstructure and tribological behavior of Nickel (NI)-composite claddings fabricated on TC4 titanium alloy to realize the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy and NI-composite coating.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, TiC/TC4 alloy nanocomposites were fabricated based on different laser power and temperatures. TC4 has been selected as a base material instead of TiC for the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy matrixes. Then Ni-composite coating was used as the surface treatment coating on TC4 by laser cladding (LC) technique. The Ni-based alloy coating material powder is good self-fluxing, has high-temperature resistance and is analytically pure with 200 mesh, which can easily overcome the various challenges of titanium alloy. The chemical properties of Ni composite coating include 31.2% Chromium, 8%Titenium and 3.6% Carbon. The prepared surface treatment coating characterization and microstructure behavior are analyzed using optical micrograph, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopes, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron probe micro analyzer methods.FindingsIt is evident that at the beginning of the experiment, if the laser power increased, the quality of the coating increased. An optimal quality of the coating is found when the laser scanning power about 12.55 kJ/cm2. Further increased laser power diminished the quality of the coating because the material plasticity had deteriorated. The TiC ceramic particle reinforced phase is dispersed into a two-phase solid solution of β-Ti and γ-Ni. The micro-hardness of the used coating is greater than the base alloy.Originality/valueThis research has practical value in the modern aerospace and automobile industry to increase the application of titanium alloy.

Friction and wear behavior of Ni-based alloy coatings with different amount of WC–TiC ceramic particles

Friction and wear behavior of Ni-based alloy coatings with different amount of WC–TiC ceramic particles

Enhanced High−Temperature Wear Performance of H13 Steel through TiC Incorporation by Laser Metal Deposition

High-temperature wear failure has been a major challenge to die parts. This work provides a comprehensive study on the high-temperature wear performance of a TiC/H13 composite coating prepared by laser metal deposition (LMD). The microstructures of wrought H13 samples, LMD-processed H13 and TiC/H13 samples were systematically investigated. The refined martensite size, the uniform distribution of TiC ceramic particles, as well as their bonding with the matrix endowed the fabricated composite coating with superior hardness. The LMD-prepared TiC/H13 composite coating material demonstrated outstanding wear resistance when compared with other counterparts, mainly due to the high thermal stability and the load-transferring effect triggered by the introduced TiC ceramic particles. The dominated wear mechanism transition from severe ploughing in the wrought H13 material to mild delamination in the TiC/H13 composite coating was confirmed. The present study is expected to shed light on high-temperature wear-resistant coating material design and applications within the highly demanding mould industry.

Evaluation of in-situ synthesised titania-zirconia-boron carbide composite cladding on Ti6Al4V substrate using continuous wave fibre laser

In this work, titanium metal matrix composite (TiC, TiB2, TiO2, ZrB2) cladding was synthesised by irradiating a fibre laser beam on a mixture of Ti6Al4V alloy, ZrO2, B4C powders pre-placed on Ti6Al4V alloy plate. The effect of varying wt.% of B4C on the microstructure, hardness, erosion, and wear properties of the composite cladding were investigated using XRD, XPS, EBSD, FESEM with EDAX, nano-indentation, and wear tests. Under the exposure of fibre laser on a mixture of preplaced powders, the in-situ formation of TiC, TiB2, TiO2, and ZrB2 ceramic particles have taken place and get uniformly dispersed in the molten titanium alloy matrix. The volume fraction of these phases increases with the increasing percentage of B4C. A black willow-shaped structure (TiB2) is observed in sample BM3 (30 wt% of B4C), along with grey cellular dendrites (TiC) dispersed uniformly in the matrix. The average microhardness of the claddings increases with the increase of B4C contents. The average weight loss of the cladding samples in dry sliding wear tests decreases with increasing the B4C content. The maximum microhardness of 1582.4HV300 is recorded in BM3 cladding, which is almost four times higher than the substrate material. The decrease in the average value of maximum nano-indentation depth with an increase in the content of B4C is in good agreement with the results of microhardness tests. The hardening of the cladding is also accompanied by increased values of parameters H/E (hardness(H)/Young's modulus (E)) and H3/E2(0.133), indicating better resistance to crack formation during indentation even at higher loads showing the cladding is hard as well as tough. The grain size variation and volume fraction of TiC–TiB2 obtained from electron backscatter diffraction test results agrees with cladding having these properties. The coefficient of friction (0.15–0.25) is found to be lower than the substrate material (∼0.3). The claddings also show good erosion resistance at ambient, 250 °C, 350 °C and 750 °C.

Fabrication and machinability study of Zn-Al-TiC composite using wire EDM with different dielectric media

ABSTRACTMetal matrix composite (MMC) with matrix material as Zinc-Aluminium alloy ZA-27 and reinforcement as 5% TiC ceramic particles is fabricated in the present study. This MMC is prepared in an electric furnace and subsequently machined on a wire electric discharge machine (WEDM). Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array (OA) is applied with four WEDM parameters: pulse ON time (POT), current (I), pulse OFF time (PFT) and dielectric fluid (DF). To investigate the effect of these parameters on the kerf width (Kw), surface roughness (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR); each of the parameter were individually varied at three different levels. The output responses are analysed using the Entropy-based Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) approach. The optimum condition for multiple responses is found at (POT)3 (I)1(PFT)3(DF)2 i.e. pulse ON time at 60 µs, current at 2 A, pulse OFF time at 5 µs and dielectric fluid as vegetable oil. The surface and edge morphology of the machined part is evaluated using SEM micrographs.

Study on microstructure and tribological properties of nano/micron TiC/TC4 composites fabricated by laser melting deposition

Laser melting deposition technology was used to fabricate TC4 alloy reinforced by micron TiC, nano TiC and nano/micron TiC ceramic particles. During the fabricating process, micron TiC was partially dissolved and nano TiC was completely dissolved, and TiCx phase was formed in situ in the three composites. The average grain size of TC4 alloy is 126.74 μm, the micron TiC/TC4 composite is 41.86 μm, the nano TiC/TC4 composite is 9.98 μm, and the nano/micron TiC/TC4 composite is 9.64 μm, and the complete dissolution of nano TiC significantly refines the β grains. The microstructure of the micron TiC/TC4 composite were composed of eutectic TiCx, primary TiCx, unmelted TiC and the nano TiC/TC4 composite were composed mainly of primary TiCx. A unique microstructure characteristic of primary TiCx growing along the edge of unmelted TiC was formed in the nano/micron TiC/TC4 composite. The microhardness and wear tests revealed that the nano/micron TiC/TC4 composite have the highest microhardness (528 HV0.2) and the nano TiC/TC4 composite have the lowest wear rate (0.2166 mg/m). This paper provides a guidance for the study of microstructure evolution of nano/micron TiC synergistically reinforced TC4 alloy by laser melt deposition.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of (Ti, Nb)C Ceramic-Reinforced 316L Stainless Steel Coating by Laser Cladding

The poor wear resistance of 316L stainless steel restricts further practical application. In this study, to improve its microhardness and wear resistance, the TiC and NbC ceramic particles were introduced to 316L powder fabricate (Ti, Nb)C ceramics-reinforced composite coatings by laser cladding. The effects of ceramics addition on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear properties of the composite coating were investigated with an X-ray diffractometer, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, a Vickers hardness tester, and a multi-functional surface performance tester. Results indicate that the TiC and NbC ceramic particles were distributed at the grain boundaries, effectively inhibiting the grain growth and refining the microstructure. The addition of ceramic particles could have decreased the temperature gradient and promoted the transformation from columnar crystals to equiaxed crystals. In addition, the microhardness was improved due to fine grain strengthening and solid solution strengthening. The friction coefficient and cross-sectional area of the composite coating were 0.381 and 8164.732 μm2, which was 0.846 and 0.603 times that of the 316L coating, respectively. Moreover, severe adhesive wear and plastic deformation was transformed into slight adhesive wear and abrasive wear due to the addition of TiC and NbC particles. This study provides new approaches to improving the wear resistance of 316L stainless steel and broadens its application.

Revealing the role of micron-sized in situ TiC particles on tensile properties and fracture mechanism of martensitic wear-resistant steel at elevated temperature

In order to improve the performance of the TiC ceramic reinforced wear-resistant steel at medium and high temperatures, such as slag transportation and cement production, its high-temperature tensile properties need to be well understood. In this paper, an in situ micron-sized TiC ceramic particle reinforced wear-resistant steel with 1 vol% TiC particles was fabricated. The tensile behavior and fracture mechanism of the TiC ceramic reinforced steel at 25–600 °C were investigated. The role of micron-sized TiC particles on tensile properties and fracture mechanism at elevated temperature was studied. Results indicated that the high temperature strength of TiC ceramic reinforced wear-resistant steel was enhanced by improving the thermal stability of the matrix. In the low and medium temperature range (25–500 °C), micron-sized TiC ceramic particles played a role in improving the strength, but had little effect on the elongation to failure. However, the micron-sized TiC ceramic particles greatly reduced the elongation to failure of the experimental steel when the temperature exceeded 500 °C. In the range of 25–600 °C, the fracture mechanism matched the typical ductile fracture. However, the mechanism of cavity formation varied at 500 °C. At 25–500 °C, the micro-cavities mainly formed due to fracture of the micron-sized TiC particles with sizes in the range of 1–9 μm and defects of the matrix. Above 500 °C, the interfacial debonding between the micron-sized TiC and the matrix was the main mode of crack initiation.

Thermophysical properties of Ni–20Cr metal matrix reinforced with TiC ceramic particles

Thermophysical properties of Ni–20Cr metal matrix reinforced with TiC ceramic particles

Bioinert TiC ceramic coating prepared by laser cladding: Microstructures, wear resistance, and cytocompatibility of the coating

Recent advance in biological applications such as artificial joint replacement are focused towards fabricating reliable bearing surface to extend their service life. Given this perspective, incremental attempts have been made to enhance the wear resistance of titanium alloys used widely in artificial joint and mechanical reliability of brittle TiC ceramic, but plan often don't go along with reality. It is proposed that both high mechanical reliability and wear resistance can be hold if a thin TiC ceramic coating is formed onto high toughness Ti6Al4V alloy used widely in biological applications. In this paper, bioinert TiC ceramic coating was fabricated on Ti6Al4V substrate surfaces through laser cladding using preplaced TiC nanoceramic powders on the substrate surfaces. The microstructural characteristics of the TiC ceramic coating were investigated in detail. Further, the rapid melting mechanism of the TiC nanoparticles and the microstructural formation mechanism of the coating were revealed. Moreover, the wear mechanism and cytocompatibility of the coating were identified. The results showed that the original TiC nanoparticles completely melted and solidified to form dendritic TiC ceramic coating owing to the small size effect of the nanoparticles and the thermodynamic effect of the high-energy laser beam . The wear resistance of the TiC ceramic coating fabricated by laser cladding was three times higher than that of the Ti6Al4V substrate, and the coating had the same good cytocompatibility as that shown by Ti6Al4V. Microstructure-phase-property relationships in TiC ceramic coating were revealed and discussed according to our research findings. The designed TiC coating and Ti alloy hybrid might be potential application in artificial joint surfaces and other implants with strong wear-resistance requirements. • Bioinert TiC ceramic coatings on Ti6Al4V substrate was fabricated by laser cladding using preplaced TiC nanoparticles. • TiC dendrites were generated owing to the high-temperature diffusion of carbon atoms and Ostwald ripening mechanism. • The formation mechanism of ceramic coatings fabricated by laser cladding using TiC ceramic nano particles was proposed. • The coating showed comparable cytocompatibility to Ti alloy and did not affect cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation.

Interfacial structure and wear properties of selective laser melted Ti/(TiC+TiN) composites with high content of reinforcements

• Titanium matrix composites reinforced with high-content TiC and TiN particulates are manufactured by SLM. • The constitution, interfacial structure and wear properties of SLM-fabricated Ti/(TiC+TiN) composites are investigated. • The formation mechanism of interfacial structure in the SLM-processed Ti/(TiC+TiN) composites is addressed. High-fraction ceramic particulate-reinforced titanium matrix composites were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) from starting powders containing Ti-TiC, Ti-TiN, Ti-TiC-TiN and Ti-TiN-graphene. The microstructures of the composites were characterized to reveal the constitution of the reinforcements, the matrix as well as the formation of interfacial structure via ex-situ and in-situ synthesis routes. The microhardness of the SLM-fabricated composites is at least three times higher than that of unreinforced Ti due to high density of hard ceramic reinforcements. A coefficient of friction (COF) value of 0.792 and a wear rate of 1.0 × 10 −4 mm 3 /N −1 m −1 were obtained for the SLM-processed Ti/(TiC+TiN) composites by ex-situ addition of TiC and TiN ceramic particles due to the favorable interfacial structure formed between these hybrid reinforcements and good manufacturing quality. This study proposes a unique interfacial structure by combination of hybrid reinforcements that allows to improve the manufacturing quality and wear properties of SLM-fabricated titanium matrix composites.

Design and development of TiC-reinforced 410 martensitic stainless steel coatings fabricated by laser cladding

AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel (MSS) coatings, reinforced with TiC ceramic particles of varying contents (0, 5%, 10% and 15%), have been fabricated by laser cladding technology for the first time in this study. The microstructure evolution and properties of the laser-cladded specimens are carefully investigated by advanced techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, a micro-hardness tester and a ball-on-disc tribological tester. The obtained results show that the as-cladded 410 MSS coating is mainly composed of coarse lath martensite (M), a few austenite (A) and M23C6. After addition of TiC ceramic particles, the lath-shaped M is significantly refined, meanwhile the nano-sized Ti-enriched ceramic precipitates (TiC and Ti(C,N)) are formed in the composite coatings. However, microcracks and pores occur in the laser-cladded coating with addition of TiC up to 15%. It is found that both the microhardness and wear resistance of the coatings are enhanced with an increasing TiC content, and the 10% TiC-reinforced coating exhibits the optimal comprehensive performance, with much higher microhardness and wear resistance in comparison to the TiC-free MSS coating. The remarkable properties of the TiC-reinforced 410 MSS coatings can be mainly ascribed to the synergistic effects of microstructural refinement, nano-precipitation hardening and second-phase strengthening.

Temperature-induced wear transition in ceramic-metal composites

Wear degradation is a key parameter to evaluate the performance of ceramic-metal composites applied in manufacturing and mining industries. We selected a typical composite (high Mn steel + 50 wt.% TiC) as the model system and studied its wear behavior. The integrity and damage of TiC ceramic particles were analyzed under different temperatures and atmospheres. A critical temperature of ~125 °C at which transitions of wear mechanism occurred was observed for the first time. Below this temperature, hardness dominated the wear behavior as the presence of oxygen induced surface decarburization of ceramic particles with an increased wear rate. The thermodynamics of oxygen-assisted decarburization were investigated using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach, and the resultant hardness reduction of TiC particles was clarified using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. At temperatures above 125 °C, toughness became the governing factor as the ceramic-metal deformation incompatibility induced fracture of ceramic particles. The formation of nano-crystalline oxide tribolayers improved the fracture toughness of ceramic particles and restrained the wear loss, which was elucidated using DFT calculations. Thus, the current work has delineated the competitive micro-mechanisms consisting of surface decarburization and toughening of ceramic particles, which could be used to interpret the wear behavior of ceramic-metal composites.

Effects of Micron/Submicron TiC on Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg: A Comprehensive Study from Computer Simulation to Mechanical and Microstructural Analysis

The Al-based metal matrix composites (AMMCs) reinforced by micron- and submicron-scale TiC ceramic particles were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing. The influences of SLM processing parameters such as volumetric energy density (ɛ) and laser absorptivity of powders on the densification, microstructural evolution, mechanical behavior and corrosion behavior of the AMMCs were systematically studied, based on which the strengthening mechanisms of the SLM-processed AMMC components were clarified. Finite element simulation was run to assist in revealing the underlying mechanism. Fundamental processes such as the Marangoni flow were discussed. Through these efforts, the as-printed AlSi10Mg/1 μm TiC was SLMed into crack-free, high-density parts (= 99.2%) when ɛ was > 65 J/mm3. For the as-printed AlSi10Mg/1 μm TiC samples prepared by the best SLM parameters, high tensile strength (470 ± 14 MPa) was achieved. Average hardness of ~ 169 HV0.1 and a considerably low friction coefficient with a mean value of ~ 0.3 were also obtained. The homogeneously distributed submicron TiC particles reduced the wear rate to 1.68 × 10−11 mm3/N/m. The as-printed AlSi10Mg/1 μm TiC parts showed better performance on corrosion resistance as well due to the high relative density achieved along with continuous and compatible bonding interfaces with the Al alloy matrix. Use of large-sized TiC (e.g., 30 μm) particles should be avoided, however, since they led to reduced mechanical properties and a poorer corrosion resistance.

Evolution mechanisms of TiC ceramic particles in FeCoCrNiAl high-entropy alloy laser cladding layers

FeCoCrNiAl +x(TiC) composite coatings were fabricated by laser cladding technology. Four different types of ceramic particles were observed in the cladding layers, namely, small-sized, flower-shaped, fishbone-shaped, and aggregate particles. The concentration of C element in the cladding layer, the duration of growth of the ceramic particles, and the hysteresis diffusion effect are the major factors that determine the morphology of the ceramic particles. The small-sized, flower-shaped, and fishbone-shaped particles were well bonded to the metal matrix, making crack formation difficult. On the other hand, the hard and brittle, large-sized particles were weakly bonded to the metal matrix. They broke away easily from the cladding layer during wear test to form more ploughing grooves, thereby deteriorating the wear resistance of the cladding layers.

Microstructure evolution and high-temperature oxidation behaviour of selective laser melted TiC/TiAl composites

In this work, TiC ceramic particle reinforced TiAl-based composites were synthesized by selective laser melting (SLM) by using Ti, Al, and TiC multi-component powder. The results showed that a plenty of TiC dendritic crystals formed during the solidifying process. It was found that TiC dendrites exhibited three different modes of nucleation and growth, corresponding to the dissolution-precipitation of fully melted fine TiC particles, the epitaxial growth along the margin of partly melted TiC particle, and the recrystallization growth based on stress-induced nonequilibrium melting. Subsequently, the influence of laser energy density on microstructure evolution and high-temperature oxidation behaviour of SLM fabricated TiC/TiAl composites were investigated. At a high laser energy density of 189 J/mm3, the relatively full dense SLM-fabricated part was obtained, accompanying the formation of a variety of TiC dendrites with the coarsening structure, which made a contribution to the elevated high-temperature oxidation resistance with a low oxidation kinetics constant of 1.32 × 10−5 mg 6 cm−12 h−1.