Mechanical properties of high performance lightweight steels

Abstract

The incorporation of low density, high modulus ceramic particles into a steel matrix is a potential route to improve the mechanical performance of steels. A powder metallurgy, mechanical blending route has been adopted to produce a homogeneous distribution of TiB₂ particles in both pure Fe and 316L stainless steel matrices. This approach gave large increases in both the static and fatigue strength with increasing TiB₂ volume fractions, in comparison with the matrix material. Additions of TiB₂ also resulted in reduced density and increased stiffness in the composite or lightweight steel materials, giving a specific stiffness increase of 52%with a fraction of 30 vol.-%TiB₂ in Fe, compared with the matrix.