Pearlitic structure and wear properties of graphite cast iron reinforced with biphase TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles

The current research describes the preparation of nanoparticle-reinforced ductile iron specimens through an aluminum master alloy containing bi-phase TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles. The pearlitic structure, hardness and wear resistance were examined and compared for ductile iron specimens with and without nanoparticles. It was found that the presence of a small amount of TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles could refine the lamellar structure of pearlite, increase the hardness and lower the wear loss under dry and lubricated test conditions. Adhesion with plastic flow, material removal and material smearing were reduced on the wear track which was associated with the coupled effects of finer pearlite and higher hardness after engaging the TiC-TiB2 nanoparticles. In addition, it was found that the nanoparticles were distributed on the worn areas, which could withstand the normal load and minimize the contact between the ductile iron substrate and counterface during the wear tests.