Microstructure of Ni(Cr)–TiC–Cr3C2–Cr7C3 composite powder

The Ni(Cr)–TiC–Cr3C2–Cr7C3 composite powder was prepared by SHS (Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis) process using elemental powders as starting materials. As-prepared powder was ground by an attritorial mill up to 10 h. Micrographs and diffraction patterns were obtained using TEM. The X-ray diffraction data were analyzed by the Rietveld method and Toraya procedure. The Rietveld method was applied in the determination of phase abundance using Hill and Howard approach. The parameters of diffraction line profiles were analyzed by PRO-FIT Toraya procedure. The crystallite sizes and lattice distortions were analyzed using Williamson–Hall method. It was stated that the crystallite size of Ni(Cr) phase diminishes to nanoscale after 5 h milling whereas the crystallite size of the other phases is still above 100 nm for applied milling time.