Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of AISI 420/TiB2 composites fabricated by liquid metallurgy route

Abstract This study investigates the role of TiB2 particles addition on the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of AISI 420 stainless steel composites prepared by vacuum induction melting. The addition of TiB2 refines the microstructure of α-Fe matrix phase significantly. The formation of complex boride intermetallic and diffraction peak broadening along with peak shifting was observed in XRD. Maximum tensile strength of 791 MPa was obtained for AISI 420/4%TiB2 composite. Ductile to brittle transition was observed with increased content of TiB2. The coefficient of thermal expansion decreased from 13.4 × 10−6/K for AISI 420 to 8.06 × 10−6/K for AISI 420/4%TiB2 composite.