PRODUCTION, STRUCTURIZATION, AND PROPERTIES OF WEAR-RESISTANT ‘IRON–CARBON ALLOY–GRANULAR HARDMETAL FILLER’ MATERIALS

Abstract

The production, structurization, and resultant properties of metal matrix ‘iron–carbon alloy–granular hardmetal filler’ materials were studied. The use of vacuum suction ensures almost complete filling of interparticle voids with molten metals and results in composites containing hardmetal filler with 0.17–0.7 mm particles. The composites show the microstructure that has no pronounced transition zone at the hardmetal–metal interface and has a ‘granular’ austenitic cast iron matrix and a significant amount of lamellar graphite. The mechanical properties and impact abrasive wear resistance of the white cast iron and carbon steel materials were examined. The optimum combination of properties is exhibited by the steel 45 and 60 vol.% KKhNF15 hardmetal composite.