Microstructural characterization and tensile strength of TiC/Ni-20Cr composite through the small punch test technique

The tensile strength and fracture mode of the TiC/Ni-20Cr composite were determined through the small punch technique (SPT). The composite was fabricated by infiltrating the liquid matrix into porous ceramic compacts. The technique allowed a high reinforcement content of 60 vol%, observing a dissolution–precipitation phenomenon that caused the formation of secondary TiC on the original TiC surfaces. To determine the tensile strength by SPT, the correlation constant that harmonizes the tensile strength and shear strength was evaluated by testing control samples of nickel, copper, and 1018 cold roll steel. The tensile strength of the Ni-20Cr alloy was 515.9 MPa, and the composite was 326.6 MPa. Due to the high reinforcement content, the plastic deformation of the Ni-20Cr alloy specimen was four times higher in displacement than the composite specimen. The composite presented partial fracture of the reinforcement particles and detachment through the metal-ceramic interface, showing an approximately brittle behavior. Graphical abstract Small punch test to determine the shear strength of a TiC/Ni-20Cr composite.