Influence of Various Concentrations (TiC and TiN) on the Microstructure and Properties of Ti(CN)-Based Cermets Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

ABSTRACT

The Ti(CN)-based cermets have been widely used for cutting tools in recent years due to their high hardness, temperature stability, chemical inertness, etc. In this work, Ti(CN)-based cermets were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1800°C for 10 min. Influence of various concentrations (TiC and TiN) on the microstructure and properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and nano mechanical comprehensive test system. Results show that the sintered cermets become more compact by SPS sintering. Both the transgranular and intergranular fracture are found in cermets of various concentrations. These fractures can obviously improve the hardness and elastic modulus; TiC_0.7N_0.3 has achieved the highest hardness of 45.29 GPa and elastic modulus of 653.42 GPa.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Ti(CN)-based cermets
• Microstructure
• Hardness
• Elastic modulus