The process used to produce the WC particle reinforced steel/iron matrix composites was reviewed including cast-infiltration method

powder metallurgy

overlay welding

electro-slag casting

and the selection of tungsten carbide and the steel/iron base

interface reaction and bonding strength

properties of application of the composites.The effects of parameters

such as binder

additive

shape and size of WC particle

pouring temperature

on the composites fabricated by cast-infiltration method have been paid attention to.It is pointed out that the cast-infiltration method is a promising technique for fabricating the WC particle reinforced steel/iron matrix composites

while the combination of SHS with cast-infiltration is a very potential approach.It is a spotlight on cast-infiltration for fabricating the composites with composite layer of 10 mm in thickness and on stabilization of composites process as well as the key technology of industrialization.Surface wear resistant composites are more suitable for parts in the conditions of local wear and small angle erosion

and the process and the composites should be selected according to the wear conditions.