Stainless steel matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles through ingot casting process

¹ Institute of Metals and Technology, Lepi pot 11, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
² Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
³ Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

^* Corresponding author: ana.kracun@imt.si

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of adding Al₂O₃ nano-particles of 0.5 wt. % with the mean particle size of 500 nm on the mechanical properties and wear behaviour of the austenitic stainless steel matrix reinforced with nano-particles produced by conventional ingot casting. The focus was on the methods and possibilities of homogeneous and uniform distribution of the particles within the steel matrix using conventional casting routes. The main drawback of the casting method used is the agglomeration of the particles and poor interface between the particles and the metal matrix. The results show that through a proper insertion method, nano-particles can be successfully introduced into the metal matrix. The Al₂O₃ nano-particles were successfully incorporated into the steel matrix with no signs of clustering and intermetallic reactions taking place between the nano-particles and the steel matrix. This led to improved mechanical properties as well as the wear behaviour of the stainless steel, achieved by using conventional casting routes.