Effect of the Silicon Introduction Method on the Structurization of Sintered Fe–Si–C and Fe–Si–В–C Steels

Abstract

The methods to introduce silicon into the Fe–Si–C and Fe–Si–B–C powder composites and the nature of its distribution in the alloy matrix are studied. Two types of silicon-containing additions, such as silicon carbide and low-carbon ferrosilicon, may be used. Silicon carbide promotes more uniform distribution of silicon in the iron matrix of the composites, while ferrosilicon leads to higher compaction. Selective doping of individual phase components of the Fe–Si–B–C alloys is established: in particular, diffusion of silicon only in the iron matrix and the absence of its interaction with the boron eutectic.