Processing and characterization of ZrC-reinforced steel-based composites

The ZrC-reinforced steel-based composites have been synthesized by a two-step process, where in the first step, Fe–Zr–Al–Si–C master alloy has been synthesized by aluminothermic reduction of Fe2O3 and ZrSiO4. In the second step, this master alloy has been dissolved in molten mild steel to synthesize the ZrC-reinforced steel-based composites. The mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and impact toughness of the composites have been evaluated. The wear resistance property of the composites has been evaluated as well. The hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance of the composites increase significantly over mild steel, in spite of very low volume fraction of ZrC.