The results of the modification of austenitic matrix in cast high-manganese steel containing 11÷19% Mn with additions of Cr, Ni and Ti were discussed. The introduction of carbide-forming alloying elements to this cast steel leads to the formation in matrix of stable complex carbide phases, which effectively increase the abrasive wear resistance in a mixture of SiC and water. The starting material used in tests was a cast Hadfield steel containing 11% Mn and 1.34% C. The results presented in the article show significant improvement in abrasive wear resistance and hardness owing to the structure modification with additions of Cr and Ti

Wear resistance of TiC-cast steel metal matrix composite has been investigated. Composites were obtained with SHSB method known as SHS synthesis during casting. It has been shown the differences in wear between composite and base cast steel. The Miller slurry machine test were used to determine wear loss of the specimens. The slurry was composed of SiC and water. The worn surface of specimens after test, were studied by SEM. Experimental observation has shown that surface of composite zone is not homogenous and consist the matrix lakes. Microscopic observations revealed the long grooves with SiC particles indented in the base alloy area, and spalling pits in the composite area. Due to the presence of TiC carbides on composite layer, specimens with TiC reinforced cast steel exhibited higher abrasion resistance. The wear of TiC reinforced cast steel mechanism was initially by wearing of soft matrix and in second stage by polishing and spalling of TiC. Summary weight loss after 16hr test was 0,14÷0,23 g for composite specimens and 0,90 g for base steel.

Application of in-situ technique allows for fabrication of composite zone in the casting with a matrix of cast steel with low carbon content. The reinforcing phase in the composite zone is titanium carbide, produced by the synthesis of substrates introduced into the mould in the form of pressed compacts. Metallographic studies were performed in order to determine of homogeneity of composite zones and characteristic features existed in transition area between the composite zone and core of the casting. The transition areas of composites zone were blurred and there were no discontinuities caused by poor bonding between the composite zone and the core of the casting. To confirm the correct run of the TiC synthesis, phase analysis was performed of the base alloy as well as composite zone. The results of this examination indicated that there were two phases in composite zone, i.e. α Fe and TiC and only α Fe was observed in base alloy. Changes of mechanical properties in the composite zone were examined, measuring its hardness HV. The average hardness values of the base alloy and composite zone were 175 ±4 and 696 ±201 HV, respectively.

Compacts for the synthesis of composite zones in castings were obtained by cold pressing powders of the TiC reactants under a pressure of 250, 300, 500 and 600 MPa. The all compacts made under different pressures were placed in a mould cavity and poured with liquid unalloyed low-carbon steel. From the resulting casting, four composite zone A, B, C, D, produced in this casting by in situ method. In all composite zones, TiC and ferrite (αFe) were obtained. Additionally, in zones A, B and C the presence of graphite (C_gr) was also stated. The surface friction (S_f) of C_gr decreases in composite zones A ÷ D, while both the S_f of TiC and hardness VH30 increase in these zones with increasing compaction pressure of the reactants. Too low compaction pressure applied to the TiC reactants impedes the effective propagation of the reaction of synthesis.