MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF HOT WORK TOOL STEEL MATRIX COMPOSITES PRODUCED BY HOT ISOSTATIC PRESSING

Steel matrix composites bring new possibilities in the production of i nexpensive wear resistant materials for the chemical and process indus tries. Hot isostatic pressed composites consisting of a hot work tool steel matrix reinforced with different ceramic particles have been exa mined. The processing parameters used (1100 degrees C temperature, 100 MPa pressure, and 3h holding time) resulted in almost fully densified materials and an optimum metal-ceramic bonding. The introduction of ce ramic particles caused grain size refinement in the iron alloy. The co mposites possessed excellent wear resistance and a much greater hardne ss than the unreinforced alloy; their toughness, however, was reduced. (C) 1997 The Institute of Materials.