Fe–Ti–C composite produced by self-propagating high temperature synthesis

Abstract A TiC/Fe composite was produced by self-propagating high temperature synthesis combined with powder metallurgy using Ti, Fe and carbon powder. The microstructure of the Fe–TiC composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction; with the help of differential thermal analysis, the reaction principle of Fe–Ti–C system was discussed. The results show that the production of iron matrix composite reinforced by TiC particulates using the process is feasible. The TiC particles exhibit homogeneous distribution in the α-Fe matrix. The reaction principle may be as follows: first, allotropic change Fe α →Fe γ occurs at 765·6°C; second, the compound Fe2Ti forms at 1078·4°C because of the eutectic reaction between Ti and Fe; third, reaction between carbon and melted Fe2Ti causes the formation of TiC at 1138·2°C; finally, owing to the eutectic reaction between remanent C and Fe at 1146·4°C, Fe3C is formed.