Structural characterization of stainless steel/TiC nanocomposites produced by high-energy ball-milling method at different milling times

This paper presents the results of milling time on the structure and properties of obtained stainless steel/30%TiC nanocomposite prepared by planetary milling in argon atmosphere using stainless steel 316 and titanium carbide powders. Achievement of a fine distribution of TiC nanoparticles in the steel matrix was the main purpose of this study. The results showed that increasing of the milling time up to 40 h led to good distribution and grain refinement of nanocomposite powder. The microstructure evolution of milled powders and nanocomposite were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy. TEM image revealed clearly that TiC nanoparticles with grain size of 50 nm were distributed in steel matrix at milling time of 40 h. The maximum hardness and density were 67 HRC and 6.63 g/cm3, respectively, when the sample was pressed under 550 MPa pressure and sintered at 1400 °C.

► The effect of milling time on the morphology of TiC/steel was investigated.
► The nanocrystalline structure powder at 40 h milling time was obtained.
► The maximum hardness of consolidated composite powders was 67 HRC.