Comparison of wear resistant MMC and white cast iron

In this report, the microstructures of conventional white cast irons (WCI) and new metal matrix composites (MMC) are compared. In contrast to casting, the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of powder mixtures offers more freedom to design specific properties like toughness and wear resistance. Both may be enhanced by a proper MMC composition. Experimental results are so convincing that special industrial applications appear to be feasible as well as cost-effective and some have been initiated. New MMC for high temperature wear, for corrosive environments and for cold forging tools are presented. It is shown how the cost of hard particles in MMC may be reduced by in situ transformation of ferroalloy particles.