Influence of reinforcement and processing on steel-based composites: Microstructure and mechanical response.

Steel matrix composite reinforced with 2–4 vol.% titanium diboride particles was fabricated successfully by powder metallurgy route through hot pressing method. Influence of sintering parameters on densification was investigated by measurement of density of resultant composites. Microstructural analysis of hot-pressed materials was performed. Hardness and deformation behavior under constant load were evaluated by conducting microhardness and nanoindentation tests. The addition of titanium diboride proved to be effective for enhancement of hardness and strength. Composite with 4 vol.% titanium diboride sintered at 1100°C resulted in improved hardness and elastic modulus which could be related to Orowan strengthening resulting from homogeneous distribution of fine titanium diboride particles in steel matrix. The results indicate that proposed method is economically feasible to process steel matrix composites with improved properties. A comparatively lower temperature and pressure offers better control of interface kinetics and microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]