| Abstract Scope |
The design of structural material seeks to increase the strength (YS), while either maintaining or decreasing the density (ρ), which, improves the specific modulus (E/ρ) and the specific strength (YS/ρ). Combining TiB2 and Fe matrix will improve the specific modulus and the specific strength of the matrix, hence named High Modulus Steel (HMS). However, due to the large solubility of TiB2 in Fe matrix (up to 6.5 mol.%), fast cooling process is required to control the TiB2 precipitate size down to submicron or nano-scale. Traditional casting can only produce micro TiB2 precipitate that largely reduce the ductility and mitigate the strengthening effect. In this work, TiB2 nanoparticles are added into molten Fe-Ti-B via a molten salt medium and then cooled slowly to simulate a regular casting. This novel processing route for HMS can circumvent the need for costly processing methods while providing a strong increase of specific modulus and strength. |