Fabrication of steel matrix composites locally reinforced with in situ TiB2–TiC particulates using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis reaction of Al–Ti–B4C system during casting

Steel matrix composite locally reinforced with in situ TiB2–TiC particulates was successfully fabricated utilizing the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction of Al–Ti–B4C system during casting. Microstructure characterization of the composites reveals that the microstructure is made up of two types of TiB2 and TiC particulates concerning particulate size and distribution and white Fe-rich regions. Moreover, the results show that the hardness and wear resistance of the composites are higher than those of the steel matrix.