Titanium carbide tool steel having improved properties

Claim 2

A sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a steel matrix making up essentially the balance, said steel matrix being characterized metallographically by an austenitic decomposition product and containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1% to 1.25% by weight of said matrix, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and to galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 3

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 15 to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 4

The titanium carbide composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 5

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 2, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 6

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 3, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 7

A sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a steel matrix making up essentially the balance, said steel matrix being characterized metallographically by an austenitic decomposition product and containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect an improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron, B. a matrix containing by weight about 6 to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt contents are each at least about 2 percent, and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 8

A sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a steel matrix making up essentially the balance, said steel matrix being characterized metallographically by an austenitic decomposition product and containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect an improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron, B. a matrix containing by weight about 6 to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt contents are each at least about 2 percent, and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 9

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 6, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from 15 percent to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 10

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 6, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 11

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 7, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 12

The steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 8, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 13

A hardened, wear resistant, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 14

A hardened, wear resistant, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 15

The hardened, wear resistant steel-bonded composition of claim 11, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 15 to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 16

The hardened, wear resistant steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 11, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 17

A hardened, wear resistant, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix making up essentially the balance, said steel matrix being characterized by the pressure of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron; B. a matrix containing by weight about 6 to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt contents are each at least about 2 percent, and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent. said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 18

A hardened, wear resistant, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix making up essentially the balance, said steel matrix being characterized by the pressure of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron; B. a matrix containing by weight about 6 to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt contents are each at least about 2 percent, and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent. said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 19

The hardened, wear resistant, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 14, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 15 to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 20

The hardened, wear resistant, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 14, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 21

The hardened, wear resistant, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 15, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 22

The hardened, wear-resistant, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition of claim 16, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 23

As an article of manufacture, a wear resistant element formed from a hardened, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 24

As an article of manufacture, a wear resistant element formed from a hardened, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises, about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 25

The article of claim 19, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 26

The article of manufacture of claim 19, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 15 to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 27

The article of manufacture of claim 19, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 28

The article of claim 22, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 29

The article of manufacture of claim 21, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125% to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 30

The article of manufacture of claim 22, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 31

The article of claim 25, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 32

As an article of manufacture, a wear resistant element formed from hardened, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron; B. a matrix containing by weight about 6% to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt content are each at least about 2 percent and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 33

As an article of manufacture, a wear resistant element formed from hardened, sintered steel-bonded titanium carbide composition characterized by an improved combination of physical and anti-friction properties which comprises about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a hardened steel matrix characterized by the presence of martensite, said steel matrix containing a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25% by weight of said matrix sufficient to effect a substantial improvement in said properties, said steel matrix being selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron; B. a matrix containing by weight about 6% to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22 percent and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt content are each at least about 2 percent and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 34

The article of claim 27, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 35

The article of manufacture of claim 27, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 15 to 25% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 36

The article of manufacture of claim 27, wherein the amount of titanium carbide ranges from about 30 to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Claim 37

The article of claim 30, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 38

The article of manufacture of claim 29, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 39

The article of manufacture of claim 30, wherein the amount of misch metal in said matrix ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 40

The article of claim 33, wherein the wear resistant element is an apex seal.

Claim 41

In a method of producing a sintered, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition containing about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a steel matrix making up essentially the balance, wherein said grains of titanium carbide are mixed with powdered steel-forming ingredients, compacted to the desired shape and said shape then sintered at an elevated liquid phase sintering temperature of said matrix, the improvement of enhancing the physical and anti-friction properties of said composition which comprises, adding to said steel-forming ingredients a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25 percent by weight of said steel-forming ingredients prior to compacting and sintering said composition, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 42

In a method of producing a sintered, steel-bonded titanium carbide composition containing about 15 to 60% by weight of primary grains of titanium carbide dispersed through a steel matrix making up essentially the balance, wherein said grains of titanium carbide are mixed with powdered steel-forming ingredients, compacted to the desired shape and said shape then sintered at an elevated liquid phase sintering temperature of said matrix, the improvement of enhancing the physical and anti-friction properties of said composition which comprises, adding to said steel-forming ingredients a small but effective amount of misch metal ranging from about 0.1 to 1.25 percent by weight of said steel-forming ingredients prior to compacting and sintering said composition, said sintered titanium carbide composition in the hardened condition being characterized by substantial improvement in transverse rupture strength and improved resistance to wear and galling as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the coefficient of friction.

Claim 43

The method of claim 35, wherein said steel-bonded titanium carbide composition is produced to contain about 15 to 25% by weight of titanium carbide based on the total composition.

Claim 44

The method of claim 35, wherein said steel-bonded titanium carbide composition is produced to contain about 30 to 60% by weight of titanium carbide based on the total composition.

Claim 45

The method of claim 36, wherein the amount of misch metal added to the matrix composition ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 46

The method of claim 37, wherein the amount of misch metal added to the matrix composition ranges from about 0.125 to 1% by weight of said matrix.

Claim 47

The method of claim 35, wherein the steel matrix is selected from the group consisting of: A. a matrix containing by weight about 1 to 6% Cr, up to about 6% Mo, up to about 2% vanadium, up to about 3% cobalt, up to 2% nickel, about 0.3 to 0.8% C and the balance essentially iron; B. a matrix containing by weight about 6 to 12% Cr, about 0.5 to 5% Mo, about 0.6 to 1.2% C, up to about 5% W, up to about 2% V, up to about 3% Ni, up to about 5% Co and the balance essentially iron; and C. a matrix comprising a high nickel alloy containing by weight about 10 to 30% Ni, about 0.2 to 9% Ti, up to about 5% Al, the sum of Ti and Al content not exceeding about 9 percent, less than about 0.15% C, up to about 25% Co, up to about 10% Mo, substantially the balance of the matrix being at least about 50% iron, the metals making up the matrix composition being proportioned such that when the nickel content ranges from about 10 to 22% and the sum of Al and Ti is less than about 1.5 percent, the molybdenum and cobalt contents are each at least about 2 percent, and such that when the nickel content ranges from about 18 to 30 percent and the molybdenum content is less than 2 percent, the sum of Al and Ti exceeds 1.5 percent.