Reaction synthesis of Fe-(W,Ti)C composites

Combustion synthesis also known as self-propagating high temperature synthe sis (SHS) is a new method for the manufacturing of advanced materials. The production of (Ti,W)C monocarbide and its combination with binders of iron group metals, using the SHS method, is potentially feasible. The direct syn thesis of (Ti,W)C in an iron matrix has been studied using this technique. The novel characteristic of this composites is that the tungsten exchange i n the monocarbide phase may be controlled to achieve a desire carbide densi ty for addition to the molten steel as a master alloy. The effect of the W/ Ti ratio of the initial mixture on the microstructure and carbide morpholog y of the final product was investigated. The morphology and composition of the carbide phase as well as the chemistry of the metal matrix, evaluated b y X-ray diffraction analysis, depends upon the tungsten-to-titanium ratio o f the reagents. A combination of WC and (W,Ti)C in an iron matrix, with var ious morphologies, could be obtained. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All ri ghts reserved.