Microstructure and Mechanical Investigation ofCarbides Particles Reinforced High AusteniticManganese Steel

The objective of this study was to produce a metal matrix composite (MMC). This compositematerial proves highly suitable for scenarios involving abrasive wear, owing to the exceptionalhardness of carbide particles, in conjunction with the remarkable ductility and capacity for workhardening found in Hadfield steel. Therefore, the effect of WC and TiC on the microstructure,mechanical properties, and wear resistance was investigated. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)technique and Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy X-ray Dispersive Spectroscopy(SEM-EDS) were employed to examine the phase transformation and microstructurecharacteristics of the MMCs. The grain size of carbides was calculated using ImageJ software.The wear test was conducted using a mini jaw crusher equipped with a stationary jaw (SJ) andmovable jaw (MJ). The wear characterization involved assessing volume loss, hardness profile,and the worn surface. The microstructures showed the formation of carbides particles dispersedwithin the matrix. Compared to the hardness of the manganese steel matrix, the MMCs exhibiteda significant increase in hardness. Regarding the wear performances, the movable jaw (MJ)demonstrated greater resistance (lower volume loss) compared to the stationnary jaw (SJ), indicatingdifferent wear mechanisms between the two jaws. The worn surface exhibited a texturedappearance with visible grooves, scratches, and embedded abrasive fragments. The hardnessprofile from the worn surface towards the core displayed a gradual decrease for both the SJ andMJ, indicating the work hardening capacity of manganese steel