Microstructure and properties of TiC metal matrix composite

Microstructures and properties of TiC metal matrix composites produced by two different ways were studied. SHS reaction was utilized in both methods. The casting material and the coating produced by conventional SHS reaction was cast bonded together or in-situ reactive cast bonding was used. In the first method preheating of coating was used. In the second method exothermic heat of the TiC formation bonded the coating and cast material together. It was found that the control of heat and temperature are in an essential role. In the conventional cast bonding preheating temperature can cause uneven contact between the coating and the cast material. In the reactive cast bonding too much heat from the reaction makes cast bonding unstable but too low heat cause insufficient melting and porosity. By careful selection of the materials and production set-up good quality coatings were achieved.