In situ TiC-reinforced steel composite fabricated via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of Ni–Ti–C system

Steel matrix composite locally reinforced with in situ synthesis of TiC particulate in the sand mould was fabricated successfully using the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction of Ni–Ti–C system during casting. The DTA result indicates that TiC could be formed during the SHS reaction of Ni–Ti–C system and Ni serves as a reactant in the SHS reaction of Ni–Ti–C system. As-cast microstructure of TiC locally reinforced region reveals a relatively uniform distribution of TiC particulates. Ni could be a diluent that might prevent the diffusion of carbon between TiC grains in the process of fabricating the composite. Compared to those of unreinforced steel matrix, the hardness and the wear resistance of the TiC locally reinforced steel composite enhanced 67.6% and 349%, respectively.