Effect of intermetallic particles on wear behaviour of stainless steel matrix composites

Metal matrix composites were manufactured using 316L austenitic stainless steel as matrix and TiAl intermetallic as reinforcement. Three levels of reinforcement were used: 3, 6 and 9 % (vol.). Composites were made by P/M: mixing, uniaxial pressing and sintering. The sintering was carried out in vacuum, at three temperatures (1120, 1200 and 1250 °C). The influence of the addition of the intermetallic on the microstructure of the stainless steel was assessed by a complete metallographic study using optical and scanning electron microscopy, coupled with a semi-quantitative microanalysis. Wear behaviour was evaluated by a ‘pin on disk’ test. Materials were tested against tool steel, and the main test conditions were as follows: 5 N load, <30% moisture, 0.1 m/s speed, and 377 m sliding distance. X-ray diffraction of powder debris was also studied and wear tracks were observed by SEM.