Effect of Fe content in Fe–Ti–B system on fabricating TiB2 particulate locally reinforced steel matrix composites

In situ TiB2 particulate locally reinforced steel matrix composites were successfully fabricated by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions in a Fe–Ti–B system containing 10, 30, 50 and 70 wt.% Fe, respectively, in the molten high chromium alloy steel during casting. The locally reinforced regions of the Fe–TiB2 composites with different Fe contents in the Fe–Ti–B system consist of three different regions, i.e. the Fe-rich region, the fine TiB2 particulate region and the larger TiB2 particulate region. The portion of the Fe-rich region decreased and the larger TiB2 particulate region became unclear with the increase in Fe content in the Fe–Ti–B system. In addition, only a small amount of micropores is found in the fine TiB2 particulate region of the Fe–TiB2 composite synthesized in a 70Fe–Ti–B system, and the Fe content has obvious effect on the wear resistance of the locally reinforced region of the Fe–TiB2 composites.