MCROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTRIZATION OF STANLESS STEEL/30%TCNAN0C0MIPOSITE BY BIGH-ENERGY BALL-MLLLING MIRTHOD ATDIFFERENTMLLING TIMES

This paper presents the results of the effects of varying milling times on the structure and properties of the surface of Stainless Steel/30%TiC Nanocomposite prepared by planetary milling in argon atmosphere using stainless steel and titanium carbide powders. A finedistribution of Titanium Carbide in the Matrix is the aim of this research to reach optimum properties. The results show that increasing the time up to 40 hours lead to a better distribution and grain refinement, whereas after 40 hours because of agglomeration of the powders the properties worsen. The maximum hardness was 67 HRC, when the sample was pressed under 550 Mpa pressure and sintered at 1200°C. The sintering temperature of 1200 caused severe chemical reaction between TiC reinforcement and the binder phase. The evolution of microstructure of stainless steel/ 30%TiC was investigated by SEM and optical microscopy.

Keywords:

Stainless Steel , TiC , nanocomposite , planetary milling , distribution