Warm compacted NbC particulate reinforced iron-base composite(Ⅱ)--Microstructure and properties

Effects of different sintering temperature and sintering time on the relative density of the sintered compacts were studied to obtain the optimal sintering parameters for the fabrication of NbC parti culate reinforced iron base composite. With optimal sintering temperature of 1?280?℃ and sintering time of 80?min, wear resisting, high density NbC particulate reinforced iron base composites can be obtained using warm compaction powder metallurgy. The microstructure, relative density, mechanical properties and tribological behaviors of the sintered composites were studied. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the sintered compacts were closely related to the sintered density. The iron base composite materials with different combinations of mechanical properties and tribological behaviors were developed for different applications. One of the developed composite, which contains 10%NbC, possesses a high strength of 815?MPa with a remarkable friction and wear behaviors. The other developed composite, which contains 15%NbC, possesses a lesser strength of 515?MPa but with excellent friction and wear behaviors.