The influence of reinforcement particle size distribution on the mechanical behavior of a stainless steel/tin composite

A stainless steel-based composite reinforced with TiN particles has been de veloped for potential applications in industry. The results show that the c ompatibility between the matrix and reinforcement is good and the bonding b etween the two phases is strong and of the diffusion type. The ductility an d toughness of the composites are lower than those of the matrix. The stren gthening behavior of the composites, however, is not straightforward. It is also found that reinforcements that differ only in particle-size distribut ion can bring about a large change in the mechanical properties of the comp osites. It is believed that the microstructural change of the matrix after incorporating the reinforcement, together with the load-bearing effect of t he reinforcement, gives rise to the results.