Fabrication of in situ TiB_2 reinforced steel matrix composite by vacuum induction melting and its microstructure and tensile properties

摘要

TiB_2 particulates reinforced steel matrix composites have been fabricated by a novel process with the combination of in situ and vacuum induction melting technique. With the in situ induction melting method, TiB_2 particulates with a size of ～30 μm are homogeneously distributed in the steel matrix. The tensile test results indicate that the content of TiB_2 reinforcements has a significant effect on the microstructure and tensile properties of the composites. More content of TiB_2 reinforcements results in more coarse TiB_2 particulates, higher strength and smaller elongation. When the content of TiB_2 reaches 13.0 vol.-%, the 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to rupture E_r are 425 MPa, 650 MPa and 9.0% respectively.