COMPOSITE ZONES OBTAINED BY IN SITU SYNTHESIS IN STEEL CASTINGS

Application of in-situ technique allows for fabrication of composite zone in the casting with a matrix of cast steel with low carbon content. The reinforcing phase in the composite zone is titanium carbide, produced by the synthesis of substrates introduced into the mould in the form of pressed compacts. Metallographic studies were performed in order to determine of homogeneity of composite zones and characteristic features existed in transition area between the composite zone and core of the casting. The transition areas of composites zone were blurred and there were no discontinuities caused by poor bonding between the composite zone and the core of the casting. To confirm the correct run of the TiC synthesis, phase analysis was performed of the base alloy as well as composite zone. The results of this examination indicated that there were two phases in composite zone, i.e. α Fe and TiC and only α Fe was observed in base alloy. Changes of mechanical properties in the composite zone were examined, measuring its hardness HV. The average hardness values of the base alloy and composite zone were 175±4 and 696±201 HV, respectively