Effect of TiCx Content on Mechanical Properties of TiCx-Fe Matrix Composites Prepared by Hot Pressing

TiCx-Fe (x=0%, 7.6%, 15.61%, 24.07%, 33.47%, volume fraction) matrix composites were prepared by in-situ hot pressing of Ti3AlC2 (0%similar to 40%, volume fraction) and Fe powders, and the effects of TiCx contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that at 1400 degrees C, when the volume fraction of Ti3AlC2 varies from 10% to 40%, the Al atoms escape from Ti3AlC2 to form TiCx, and the TiCx-Fe matrix composites are formed in situ. In the three-point bending test, when the TiCx content in the reinforcement phase is 7.6%, the composite material is not fractural, showing good toughness, and when the content of TiCx is 15.61%, the bending strength of the composites is 912.12 MPa. When the content of TiCx is 15.61%, the tensile strength reaches 518.15 MPa and the elongation after fracture reaches 5.19%, which is attributed to the diffusion of Al and the good wettability between TiCx and Fe in the composites. With the increment of TiCx content, the bending strength and toughness of the composites decrease and the hardness increases.