Microhardness and Microstructure of In-Situ Formed Fe-50%TiC Composites by Different Heating Methods

The aim of this study is to fabricate in-situ TiC particle reinforced Fe matrix composites via volume combustion synthesis (VCS) through heating by two different sources. One group reactant pellets was ignited in an induction furnace (IF). other using a tungsten inert gas (TIG) torch. Thus, the differences microhardness and microstructure obtained could be compared. Fe, C Ti elemental powders were used obtain that contained 50 vol. % matrix. In repeated experiments, ignition temperatures IF found 1164-1184 oC range. formation verified X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, where it seen products composed with trace impurity phase. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations showed formed particles regularly distributed both series. TIG about 5 times larger than heating. Microhardness values samples higher series as compared It shown methods. much practical method, when conducting VCS furnace.