Mechanical properties of metal matrix composites based on TRIP steel and ZrO2 ceramic foams

Abstract This study presents the mechanical behaviour of newly developed metal matrix composites (MMCs) in terms of compression and fatigue properties. The matrix of the MMCs consists of a high-alloyed metastable austenitic cast steel, which shows the TRIP-effect (TRIP-TRansformation Induced Plasticity). As reinforcing phase MgO partially stabilized ZrO2 is used which can also undergo a martensitic phase transformation. The samples were produced by infiltration of the cast steel into open foam structures made of ZrO2 with porosities of 30 and 50 ppi. The fatigue properties were investigated under total-strain and stress control. The martensitic phase transformation of the austen-itic steel matrix was investigated using a feritscope sensor. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11