Evaluation of electroslag remelting in TiC particle reinforced 304 stainless steel

This study is focused on the effect of electroslag remelting (ESR) on microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC particle reinforced 304 stainless steel synthesized by in situ reaction in vacuum introduction melting (VIM). Microstructure observations revealed that applying ESR process resulted in a more uniform distribution of TiC particles with reduced size, however, a slight aggregation with large TiC particles existed in the VIM ingot was found. Additionally, some tiny TiC precipitates with nano-scale were observed in the microstructure of the TiC reinforced steel after ESR process. Introduction of in situ TiC particles into the 304 stainless steel caused a significant increase of tensile properties, creep properties and wear resistance, but a decrease in ductility. Moreover, further improvement on tensile properties, creep properties, wear resistance as well as the ductility of the steel were obtained by using ESR process successfully.