Formation of Titanium Boride in the Surface Layer of an Iron–Carbon Alloy Casting

The main stages of titanium boride formation in alloyed surface layers on iron–carbon alloy castings are considered. Surface alloying was performed by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in alloying compositions during lost-foam casting. Titanium and ferrotitanium are used in alloying compositions to ensure synthesis, which is initiated by the melt thermal energy during casting formation. The thermal effects of the main reactions of titanium boride formation in various alloying compositions are compared. The microstructure, the phase composition, and the hardness of the alloyed surface layers are studied.