Precipitation Behavior of TiC in High-Titanium Wear-resistant Steel and Its Influence on Anti-grain Wear Performance

    
    TiC (Titanium Carbide) has been used in high-titanium wear-resistant steel for decades, and is thought to be a major contributor to its superior wear resistance. It can be found in many alloys, but its behavior in high-titanium wear-resistant steel is particularly noteworthy. In order to understand the role TiC plays in the superior wear resistance of this type of steel, it is important to first understand the precipitation behavior of TiC in this material.
    
    TiC is a hard ceramic-like material composed of titanium and carbon atoms. It has a melting temperature of 3210°C and a specific gravity of 4.0-4.4g/cm3. When heated, TiC will form complex microscopic crystals, due to its nucleation and growth properties at various temperatures. This microscopic crystallization behavior plays a key role in the superior wear resistance of high-titanium wear-resistant steel.
    
    When TiC is added to a high-titanium wear-resistant steel, the nucleation of TiC occurs at temperatures between 540°C and 640°C. As the temperature increases, the rate of growth of the TiC microcrystals increases, leading to the formation of an increasingly dense network of TiC crystals throughout the steel. At these temperatures, the tiny TiC crystals are often referred to as “primary TiC”, or “ambient-temperature TiC”.
    
    At temperatures above 900°C, however, a different type of TiC begins to form. This type of TiC can be referred to as “secondary TiC” or “high-temperature TiC” (HTC). Secondary TiC forms much larger and more complex crystalline structures than ambient-temperature TiC. For this reason, it has been observed to increase the strength, wear resistance and grain refinement of high-titanium wear-resistant steel.
    
    The size, shape and complexity of the TiC microcrystals in the high-titanium wear-resistant steel are critically important for the wear resistance of the material. When the microcrystals are large and well-developed, their edges will protrude beyond the surface of the steel, creating a protective buffer against wear and tear.
    
    Additionally, HTC can strengthen the matrix of the steel by preventing movement of the metal grains. This has the effect of increasing the density of the metal and making it more impermeable to liquids and other substances. In other words, HTC can bring a dramatic improvement in wear protection by giving the steel a greater resistance to grain deformation and fracture.
    
    Finally, the presence of TiC in high-titanium wear-resistant steel can have a beneficial effect on the friction properties of the material. Under the right conditions, the tiny TiC crystals can interact with the metal grains, providing a self-lubricating effect. This reduces abrasion and wear, making the high-titanium wear-resistant steel even more durable.
    
    In summary, TiC plays a critical role in the wear resistance of high-titanium wear-resistant steel. Through the formation of both primary and secondary TiC microcrystals, it provides superior wear protection, grain strengthening, and friction reduction. With its impressive combination of desirable properties, it is no wonder why TiC has become a vital component of this type of steel.

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