Effect of in-situ nanoparticles induced by Ti addition on the microstructure and tribological properties of FeCrB alloys

Abstract

Effect of in-situ nanoparticles (NPs) induced by Ti addition on the microstructure and tribological properties of FeCrB alloys has been investigated systematically by various advanced techniques. The results reveal that the TiC and TiB2 nanoparticles can be in-situ formed when adding Ti into the FeCrB alloys and they show great contribution to the microstructure refinement and tribological performance improvement of FerCrB alloys. With the gradual addition of Ti, the improvement effect of in-situ NPs increases initially and subsequently decreases. The JDF2 alloy (refers to FeCrB alloy containing 1.17 wt % Ti) shows the finest microstructure and the exceptional wear resistance. The average size and fracture toughness of primary borides are only 11.8 % of that in FeCrB matrix alloy (without Ti addition) and increase to 22.7 MPa∙m1/2, respectively. Moreover, the wear rate measures at 3.38 × 10−5 mm3/N·m, which is only 48.8% compared to that of FeCrB matrix alloy. The underlying wear mechanisms of FeCrB alloys have been discussed by unraveling the role of in-situ nanoparticles in the microstructure evolution, which belongs to adhesive wear and abrasive wear.

Keywords

• in-situ nanoparticles
• FeCrB alloys
• Microstructure
• Tribological properties