Iron aluminide-titanium carbide composites by pressureless melt infiltration - Microstructure and mechanical properties

In this investigation, processing of fully dense TiC-based cermets with iron aluminide (Fe-40 at. % Al) as a binder by pressureless melt infiltration has been clearly demonstrated. The carbide contents in these composites varied from 70 to 85 vol. %. Specimens with 30 vol. % intermetallic exhibited bend strengths of 1034 MPa, fracture toughness of 18 MPa·m1/2 and a Rockwell (RA) hardness of 83.5. Further improvements in bend strengths may be possible by controlling the grain size and by modifications of the Fe40Al/TiC interface strengths.