Investigation of graphite formation in metal matrix

A new way of preparing graphite/silicon carbide-reinforced metal composite materials is presented. SiC and pure iron diffusion couple were heated to 720 ℃ and held at such temperature for 60 s to prove the concept. The experimental result shows that a graphite layer successfully forms on the surface of pure iron. The kinetic simulation was carried out using Thermal-Calc software, showing potential graphite formation in an iron matrix. The simulation result indicates that graphite can also form inside an iron matrix within 60 s at 720 ℃.