In-situ synthesis of titanium carbides in iron alloys using plasma transferred arc welding

• Fe–TiC composite materials were produced in-situ by plasma transferred arc welding.
• The effect of alloying elements on the morphology of TiC carbides was studied.
• The effect of processing conditions on the size of TiC carbides was assessed.
• The discussion focuses on the microstructure for wear applications.

The synthesis of Fe–TiC metal matrix composite during metal deposition with laser and arc welding techniques is of technical and economic interest for hard surfacing of engineering components. Recent studies linked the resistance to abrasive wear with the size and morphology of TiC precipitates, which are strongly dependent on the deposition conditions and, more importantly, on the alloy chemistry. In this study, the effect of silicon and manganese on the TiC precipitates was explored and different processing conditions were assessed. The characterisation included optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and microhardness testing. The results indicate that silicon and manganese can have a significant effect on TiC size and morphology. Therefore, the composition of the matrix alloy offers an effective pathway to modify the microstructure of in-situ precipitated Fe–TiC metal matrix composites.