Analysis of interface wettability between steel and TiC particles

Introduction
The interface between steel and titanium carbide (TiC) particles has been studied extensively in order to improve surface durability, friction characteristics, and enhanced wear resistance. The wettability of interfaces between steel and TiC is a key factor for ensuring strong adhesion of a coating or a reinforced layer. Furthermore, the wettability of the interface has a significant effect on the thermodynamic and kinetic conditions of the interfacial reaction, which is essential to understand the performance of the interface in various applications. This paper presents an analysis of the interface wettability between steel and TiC particles.
    
Interfacial Wettability
The wettability of the steel/TiC interface is based on the contact angle of a drop of a liquid on the interface. The contact angle represents the interaction between a liquid and a solid material surface. It can be measured by applying a droplet on the surface and determining the contact angle from the contact angle diagram [1]. Lower contact angles indicate higher wettability. The contact angle should be evaluated in wet-state conditions, as the contact angle of a dry interface may not always accurately reflect the wettability of the interface.
    
The wettability of the steel/TiC interface depends on several factors, such as the surface chemistry and structure of the steel, the surface chemistry and structure of the TiC, and the type of liquid used. The surface chemistry of the materials plays an important role in the wettability of the interface since it affects how the liquid interacts with the steel and TiC. The structure of the materials also affects the wettability of the interface as it affects how the liquid accumulates on the surface. The type of liquid used is also important since different liquids can have different wettability due to their molecular structure. For example, water is more wettable than hydrocarbons.
    
Schematic of a contact angle diagram
    
Analysis
The wettability of the steel/TiC interface can be quantified through the contact angle. Generally, the contact angle of the steel/TiC interface ranges from 0-180°, with lower contact angles corresponding to higher wettability of the interface [2]. The measured contact angle can vary depending on the surface chemistry and structure of the materials, the type of liquid used, and the ambient temperature and humidity. The presence of surface contaminants or oxidation can also affect the contact angle.
    
For steel/TiC interfaces, higher wettability is generally observed with organic liquids, such as hydrocarbons and alcohols, while lower wettability is observed with aqueous liquids, such as water and saline . In addition, the contact angles of steel/TiC interfaces can be improved through the use of surface treatments, such as the introduction of surfactants, dust repellents, and corrosion inhibitors .
    
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wettability of the steel/TiC interface depends on several factors, such as the surface chemistry and structure of the steel and TiC, the type of liquid used, ambient conditions, and the presence of surface contaminants. The wettability of the interface can be quantified through the contact angle, which ranges from 0-180° with lower contact angles corresponding to higher wettability. The contact angle of the steel/TiC interface can be improved through the use of surface treatments, such as the introduction of surfactants, dust repellents, and corrosion inhibitors. This analysis of the interface wettability between steel and TiC particles can help to improve the properties and performance of the interface in various applications.

---