Microstructure and Abrasive Wear Properties of TiC Reinforced High Manganese Steel Matrix Composites
Microstructure
TiC reinforced HX steel matrix composites are generally composed of intermetallic carbides and matrix material. The carbides can be further classified into two categories, namely primary or secondary carbides, based on the position of the carbides relative to the matrix. Primary carbides are those that are in direct contact with the matrix material and form a continuous network throughout the matrix. Secondary carbides, on the other hand, form discontinuous islands throughout the matrix. The primary carbides are generally composed of transition metal carbides such as TiC, ZrC and Cr7C3 whereas the secondary carbides are typically composed of less stable relatively hard MC and M2C types. The hard primary and secondary carbides impart excellent wear resistance to the TiC-reinforced HX steel matrix composites.
The microstructural evolution of TiC-reinforced HX steel matrix composites is best characterized by the precipitation of fine secondary carbides during the solidification process. During the solidification process, TiC, ZrC and Cr7C3 primary carbides form at the grain boundaries and the fine secondary carbides follow suit. The formation of interlinking networks of TiC, ZrC and Cr7C3 primary carbides is important to create defect free microstructures in the matrix material. The presence of the primary and secondary carbides imparts excellent wear resistance to the matrix material through the formation of a tribological protective surface layer composed of entangled and reinforced carbide networks.
Abrasive Wear Properties
The abrasive wear properties of TiC-reinforced HX steel matrix composites depend on two main factors: the microstructural architecture of the composite and the applied load. The microstructure of the composite plays a key role in the tribological behaviour of the composite due to the primary and secondary carbides which form a continuous network throughout the matrix. This network acts as a reinforcement layer that prevents and reduces the amount of plastic deformation caused by the abrasive particles. This in turn results in improved wear and abrasion resistance.
The applied load is another factor that has a direct effect on the abrasive wear properties of TiC-reinforced HX steel matrix composites. When the load is increased, the resistance to wear and abrasion is reduced. This is due to an increase in plastic deformation caused by the increased load which results in increased wear and abrasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TiC reinforced HX steel matrix composites exhibit superior wear and abrasion resistance compared to other steel matrix composites due to their microstructural architecture, which is composed of primary and secondary carbides that form a continuous network throughout the matrix. The microstructural architecture of the composite as well as the applied load play a key role in determining the abrasive wear properties of the composite.
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