Effects of the TiC and sintering process on the TiC-steel composite

In this paper, the composite of low alloy steel reinforced with TiC particles was prepared by conventional powder metallurgy process. The effects of the combined carbon content of TiC powder, sintering temperature and heating rate on the composite were studied. The results showed that the selected TiC powder has a combined carbon content of 17.91?wt-% and the optimal sintering process is heating from 600 to 1440°C at a rate of 1°C?min^?1 and holding for 1?h at 1440°C. The composite after heat treatment has excellent mechanical properties with density of 6.45?g?cm^?3, hardness of 68–69 HRC and TRS of 1763?MPa, respectively, and will be used as wear-resistant parts, assembly fixtures, moulds, etc.