Ni–Si–C composites with various microstructures via solid state reaction of nickel and silicon carbide particulate

In this paper, Ni–Si–C composites with various microstructures were fabricated by hot-pressing via solid state reaction of nickel and silicon carbide particulate. According to the extent of interfacial reaction, the composites are classified into three types, known as partial, complete and excessive reactions. For partial reaction (Type I), the composites are characterized as thin reacted layer between the matrix and silicon carbide. Microstructures of composites with complete reaction (Type II) evolve to a variety of microstructures and compositions depending on the sintering temperature. Excessive reaction (Type III) should be avoided. The composites with complete reaction exhibit good mechanical behaviors compared to composites with partial reaction. Hardness and bending strength are significantly improved. The mechanical behaviors of composites of Type II were correlated to their compositions and microstructures. The most promising tribological performance is obtained for stainless steel against composite fabricated at 900 °C.