In-situ production of Fe-TiC composite

A TiC/Fe composite was produced by a novel process which combines in situ with powder metallurgy techniques. The microstructure of the Fe-TiC composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD); with the help of differential thermal analysis (DTA), the reaction path of the Fe-Ti-C system was discussed. The results show that the production of an iron matrix composite reinforced by TiC particulates using the novel process is feasible. TiC particles exhibit homogeneous distribution in the α-Fe matrix. The reaction path is as follows: first, allotropic change Fe_α → Fe_γ at 765.6 °C; second, formation of the compound Fe₂Ti at 1078.4 °C because of the eutectic reaction between Ti and Fe; third, reaction between carbon and melted Fe₂Ti causing formation of TiC at 1138.2 °C; finally, Fe₃C formation due to the eutectic reaction between remanent C and Fe at 1146.4 °C.