Formation of TiC-reinforced iron based composite through carbothermal reduction of hematite and anatase

Abstract

In this research carbothermal reduction of mechanical activated hematite (Fe2O3), anatase (TiO2) and graphite (C) was investigated. The mixtures of raw materials with composition of Fe-20vol%TiC were mechanically activated in a planetary ball mill with different milling time (0h-60h) in argon atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the intensity of Fe2O3 reduce with milling time. The activated powders were pressed using cold press under constant pressure (100MPa) and heat treated at 1100°C for sintering temperatures in vacuum furnace. The increase in milling time resulted in the formation of iron (Fe) and titanium carbide (TiC) phase as confirmed by XRD result.