The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and selected properties of composites on Fe with the addition of SiC produced by spark plasma sintering

The article presents the microstructure observations and selected mechanical properties of composites with Fe or Distaloy matrix and the addition of the SiC reinforcing phase. Composites with the content of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% SiC were prepared. The samples were prepared at the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) device applying a sintering temperature of 950 °C and 1000 °C. Depending on the SiC content, composites with a density of 93–98% of pure iron were obtained. The results showed differences in the microstructure of composites reinforced with SiC particles in the form of complex phases appearing. The effect of the amount of SiC addition on the hardness of the materials studied was also analysed.