Influence of Mg-PSZ Particle Size on the Fatigue Behaviour of a High Alloy Steel Matrix Composite

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) based on a TRIP (TRansformation Induced Plasticity)- or TWIP (TWinning Induced Plasticity)-steel matrix reinforced with MgO-partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) are an interesting research field as both components exhibit a deformation-induced or stress-assisted martensitic phase transformation and twinning, respectively. The present work deals with the fatigue characteristics of a reinforced CrMnNi-steel as a function of the ceramic particle size. Therefore, the particles were classified into three grades (grade 1: <10 μm; grade 2: 10-30 μm; grade 3: 30-50 μm) whereas the volume fraction concerning the composite material was kept constant at 10 vol.%. The composites were produced using the hot pressing technique. The tests were performed under total strain control in a range of 0.2% ≤ Δεt≤ 1.2%. The microstructure of fatigued specimens was examined using scanning electron microscopy.