Effect of alloying elements on solidification, structure, and properties of Ni-TiC-based eutectic composites for high-temperature applications

• Applicant: Dr. Ivan Kaban
• Subject Area: Thermodynamics and Kinetics as well as Properties of Phases and Microstructure of Materials
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 585124889

The goal of this project is to investigate the relationships between composition, solidification behaviour, microstructure, and resulting properties of Ni-TiC-based alloys, and to develop a metal–ceramic composite with enhanced wear resistance and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. The metal-ceramic composite will be designed by exploiting eutectic solidification in the quasibinary Ni-TiC system. High-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance will be achieved through alloying of the Ni matrix with Cr, Al, and Re, in combination with the inherent antioxidation capability of TiC at temperatures up to 1200 °C. Enhanced wear resistance will be achieved through solid-solution strengthening of the gamma-phase with W and Re, a high volume fraction of the TiC phase, and the presence of a eutectic microstructure. The alloy compositions selected for this study have been determined based on the knowledge of industrial Co-NbC-based eutectic composites, available phase diagrams, and the results of preliminary investigations. Solid-state phase transformations, melting and solidification behaviour, hardness and microhardness, wear performance, and high-temperature oxidation kinetics will be systematically investigated as functions of alloy composition and microstructure. Based on these results, an alloy with an optimal combination of physical, chemical and mechanical properties for high-temperature applications will be identified. This research will also generate a comprehensive dataset on Ni-TiC-based alloys to support the development, optimisation, and validation of thermodynamic descriptions, as well as numerical simulations of eutectic solidification, mechanical performance, and oxidation behaviour.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ukraine
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Tetiana Cherepova