Microstructure and mechanical properties of steel/TiC nano-composite surface layer produced by friction stir processing

► Steel/TiC composite layers were fabricated on mild steel by friction-stir processing. ► Nano-sized TiC was dispersed after four passes by breaking-up of TiC clusters. ► The nano-composite layer showed a matrix of ultra fine dynamically restored grains. ► A hardness value of ~ 450HV was achieved for the steel/TiC nano-composite layer. ► The steel/TiC nano-composite layer exhibited marked improvement in wear resistance.