Characterization of microstructure and tensile fracture behavior in a novel infiltrated TiC-steel composite

The tool steel matrix composite was successfully produced by a novel infiltration method so as to have TiC reinforcement particles more than 57 vol.%., The interface between alpha-Fe and TiC was found to be semi-coherent nature and the orientation relationship was clearly confirmed, i.e. [012](alpha-Fe) // [110](-Tic), (200)(alpha-Fe) //((2) over bar 24)(Tic). Tensile fractures consisted mainly of {100} microcleavage of TiC grains with no interfacial decohesion. The increased strength of the composite at 700 degrees C is rationalized in terms of mutually interactive influences of load transfer mechanism and the matrix strengthening resulted from the increased density of dislocations. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.