Due to its combination of light weight, high strength, wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability, MMC (Metal Matrix Composite) is receiving a lot of attention in a variety of industries, including aerospace, transportation, and energy storage. The TiC/Fe composite material stands out among MMCs in particular. In comparison to steel materials, introducing TiC at a volume percentage of 40% or higher enables a weight reduction of nearly 20%. It may also be modified to satisfy a variety of needs, making it a viable replacement for traditional alloy materials. As a result, a lot of research is being done to see if TiC/Fe composites may be used as an alternative to current alloy materials.
During the manufacturing process of TiC/Fe composites, TiC is melted and dissolved into the metal matrix. This leads to an increase in carbon content and the formation of cementite (Fe₃C), resulting in a visible pearlite lamellar structure within the matrix. The presence of pearlite can potentially have a negative impact on the mechanical properties of the composite. To eliminate this, nickel (Ni) is added as a stabilizing element with high carbon solubility to inhibit the formation of cementite within the composite material. By adjusting the amount of Ni added, TiC/Fe-Ni composites are manufactured, and changes in the microstructure and properties are observed.
To understand the effects of Ni addition on the TiC/Fe-Ni composites, various characterization techniques are employed. Thermochemical calculations using Factsage are conducted to predict the phases formed within the composite material based on the initial amount of Ni added. The microstructure of the manufactured composites is observed using FE-SEM, and changes in the base material's microstructure are examined through XRD and EBSD analysis. Additionally, hardness, compressive strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurements are performed to assess the changes in properties of the TiC/Fe-Ni composites with varying Ni content.
Consequently, the incorporation of Ni in TiC/Fe composites offers the potential to improve microstructural changes, toughness, strength, and thermal expansion characteristics, providing new opportunities for advanced materials in various applications.