Reaction synthesis of Fe–(Ti,V)C composites

(Ti,V)C/Fe composites with various V/Ti atomic ratios were produced by a novel process which combines in situ with powder metallurgy technique. The effect of the V/Ti atomic ratio of the initial mixture on the microstructure and carbide morphology of the final product was investigated. Experimental results indicate that (Ti,V)C particles exhibit fine size and homogeneous distribution in α-Fe matrix, and solution of V in TiC is proved by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM–EDS techniques. Moreover, with the increasing of V/Ti atomic ratio, rounding and growth of the hard phase particles are observed.