Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Single-doping with Mn, Cr, and Mo improves TiC/Fe interface stability and tensile strength, while Ni, Cu, and Si reduce them. • Co-doping Ni-Mo enhances binding energy and separation work at the interface, significantly improving interfacial bonding. • The TiC(002)/Fe(011) interface is continuous and stable, providing a reliable basis for alloying design in composites. • Incorporating Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni in the matrix is recommended to enhance the overall mechanical properties of TiC-reinforced low-alloy steel matrix composites.
Abstract
Improving interfacial bonding and alloying design are effective strategies for enhancing mechanical properties of particle-reinforced steel matrix composites (SMCs). This study prepared SMCs with uniformly distributed TiCP in matrix using master alloying method. The TiC(002)/Fe(011) interface model was established based on the orientation relationship of (011)Fe//(002)TiC, and [100]Fe//[100]TiC. The effects of single and co-doping of alloying elements (Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Cu and Si) on the interface bonding behavior of TiC/Fe in composites were investigated in conjunction with first-principles. The results demonstrate that the interface between TiC and matrix is continuous and stable. Compared to the undoped TiC/Fe interface, single-doping Mn, Cr, and Mo can improve the stability of TiC/Fe interface and enhance tensile strength. Conversely, single-doping with Ni, Cu, and Si reduced the interface stability and marginally reduces tensile strength. Relative to the undoped and singly Ni-doped TiC/Fe interfaces, the co-doping Ni-Mo boosts binding energy and separation work at the TiC/Fe interface, which is conducive to the interface bonding between TiCP and matrix, and thus improves the mechanical properties of composites. Thus, in the alloying design of TiC particle-reinforced low-alloy SMCs, incorporating Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni into matrix can enhance the overall mechanical properties of composites.
1. Introduction
Low-alloy steel has been widely used in offshore engineering and can manufacture large-scale key components. However, its performance fluctuation becomes obvious as the strength of the steel increases and its yield ratio is still higher [1−4]. An effective way of improving the mechanical properties of steel materials is to add trace amounts of ceramic particles to the steel matrix [5, 6]. TiC particles are a more common reinforcement in carbon steel, corrosion-resistant alloys, and high-temperature alloys due to their ease of preparation, low mismatch with the iron matrix, good wettability, and high thermal stability [7, 8]. So, in this paper, TiC particles were chosen to fabricate steel matrix composites.
Typically, optimization of the preparation process, matrix alloying, and heat treatment are the main methods used to improve the properties of composite materials [9]. The alloying elements can greatly influence the properties of non-heat-treated composites. LI et al [10] found that TiC(Mo)-high Mn steel composites exhibited superior transverse rupture strength and impact toughness compared to free-Mo TiC-high Mn steel composites. LIN et al [11] pointed out that the pitting resistance of TiC/316L composites prepared by powder metallurgy in the NaCl solution was gradually increased with the increase of Mo content. LI et al [12] also found that the oxidation resistance of TiC-reinforced steel matrix composites was improved with increased Cr content, and the internal oxidation was suppressed. LI et al [13] found that adding 3 wt% Cr and 0.5 wt% Mo simultaneously increased the pitting resistance of TiC-reinforced steel matrix composites at high temperatures in terms of strength and impact toughness. Therefore, it is evident that optimizing the composition of the steel matrix improves the overall performance of steel matrix composites.
Furthermore, interface bonding critically impacts the properties of the particle-reinforced steel matrix composites [14, 15]. The mechanism of alloying elements
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LI Jia-xin, HOU Guang-xin, JIA Peng, HU Li-hua, WANG Li-quan, WANG Xiang (2025). Effects of alloying elements M (Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Cu, and Si) on interface behavior of TiC(002)/Fe(011). Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-025-6025-0
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of alloying elements on the TiC/Fe interface in steel matrix composites?
The study found that single-doping with Mn, Cr, and Mo improves interface stability and tensile strength, while Ni, Cu, and Si reduce them. Co-doping Ni-Mo enhances binding energy and separation work, improving interfacial bonding.
How is the TiC(002)/Fe(011) interface model established?
The interface model is based on the orientation relationship of (011)Fe//(002)TiC and [100]Fe//[100]TiC, and investigated using first-principles calculations.
Which alloying elements are recommended for enhancing mechanical properties of TiC-reinforced low-alloy steel?
Incorporating Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni into the matrix can enhance overall mechanical properties, particularly with co-doping of Ni and Mo.
What method was used to prepare the steel matrix composites?
The composites with uniformly distributed TiC particles (TiCP) were prepared using a master alloying method.
Does co-doping Ni-Mo always improve the interface stability?
Yes, relative to undoped and singly Ni-doped interfaces, co-doping Ni-Mo boosts binding energy and separation work at the TiC/Fe interface, which is conducive to interface bonding.
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