Influence of Mo contents on microstructures and mechanical properties of (Ti,W,Mo)(CN)–Ni cermets

The introduction of N₂ gas during a sintering and carbothermal reduction process causes the separation of the WC phase in (Ti,W)(CN)–Ni cermet. Furthermore, the addition of secondary transition-metal carbides such as Mo₂C, VC, and TaC not only promotes phase separation but also controls grain growth by the differences in their thermodynamic stabilities. Increased N₂ flow during sintering increases the precipitation and coalescence of WC particles. The addition of Mo₂C of 0.05?mol fraction suppresses the precipitation and coalescence of WC. However, increases in both secondary carbides by >?0.05?mol fraction and the N₂ flow by >?4 kPa (≒ 30?Torr), respectively, induces significant grain growth by coalescence. Consequently, the pore levels, hardness, and fracture toughness of the specimens are substantially affected by changes in the precipitation and grain growth behaviors of the WC particles. The fracture toughness of a (Ti_0.7-xW_0.3Mo_x)(C_0.7N_0.3)–20Ni cermet, sintered under 1.33 kPa (≒ 10?Torr) N₂, is significantly enhanced from 9 to 14?MPa?m^0.5 by crack bridging and deflection.     

Preparation of Ni–Mo–C/Ti(C,N) coated powders and its influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

Ni–Mo–C/Ti(C,N) coated powders, namely Ni–Mo alloy and Mo₂C coated Ti(C,N) composite powders, were synthesized by using a heterogeneous precipitation and thermal reduction method, then pressed and vacuum sintered to fabricate cermets. The chemical composition, microstructure and phases of the composite powders and the microstructure and properties of sintered cermets were experimentally investigated. The results show that a fine and uniform microstructure of (Ti,Mo)(C,N)-Ni cermets without the conventional core-rim structure is obtained. The phases formed during the preparation of the coated powders as well as the cermets were analyzed by means of a X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The XRD result confirms the formation of the Ni₃Ti phase in the cermets. Due to the formation of the non-magnetic Ni₃Ti and the dissolution of Mo in Ni binder phase, the magnetic properties are strongly retarded. The fracture of the cermets is mainly characterized by inter-granular and dimple fractures. Better mechanical properties can be obtained in comparison with conventionally fabricated ones.     

Effect of carbon and tungsten content on the phase equilibria,microstructure, and mechanical properties of (Nb,W)C–Ni cermets

With the assistance of thermodynamic simulation, the NbC–Ni based cermets with different W and C additions were designed and sintered in liquid state at 1390°C for 90 min in vacuum. By controlling the carbon and tungsten content, (Nb,W)C–Ni based cermets were prepared with varied phase constitution, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The microstructure, composition of phases, grain size, and equilibrium phases were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, EBSD, and X-ray diffraction. The simulation reasonably predicted the experimentally observed phase constitutions. Depending on the additions, detailed analysis indicated that the cermets were composed of either a combination of cubic (Nb,W)C solid solution and Ni alloy binder or with an additional carbon-deficient phase. Furthermore, mechanical analysis showed a strong dependence of its mechanical properties (Vickers hardness, indentation toughness, and flexural strength) on the phases and NbC grain size.     

Reactive sintering behavior and enhanced densification of (Ti,Zr)B2–(Zr,Ti)C composites

Reactive hot pressing was used to prepare (Ti,Zr)B₂–(Zr,Ti)C composites from equimolar ZrB₂ and TiC powders. The reaction and solid-solution coupling effect and enhanced densification in ZrB₂-50 mol.% TiC were proposed as contrasted to conventional consolidation of TiB₂-50 mol.% ZrC. The (Ti,Zr)B₂–(Zr,Ti)C composite sintered at a temperature as low as 1750 °C exhibited negligible porosity and average grain sizes of 0.30 μm for (Ti,Zr)B₂ and 0.36 μm for (Zr,Ti)C. Complete reaction and rapid densification of ZrB₂-50 mol.% TiC was achieved at 1800 °C for only 10 min. The densification mechanism was mainly attributed to material transport through lattice diffusion of Ti and Zr atoms with an activation energy of 531 ± 16 kJ/mol. This study revealed for the first time novel insights into rapid densification of refractory fine-grained diboride–carbide composites by reactive hot pressing at relatively low temperatures.     

Ti(C,N)-based cermets with fine grains and uniformly dispersed binders: Effect of the Ni–Co based binders

Metallic binder is a key factor affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets. To optimize the overall performances, cermets with various weight ratios of Ni/(Co + Ni) ranging from 0 to 1 were fabricated by gas pressure sintering. Microstructure, phase formation, interface structure and related mechanical properties of the sintered cermets were investigated. With the increase of the Ni/(Co + Ni) ratios, the black cores became smaller and grains of Ti(C,N) dispersed uniformly. Compared to the pure Ni or Co, Ni–Co binders accelerated the formation of rim phases, and avoided the nonuniform dispersed binder pools. When the ratio was 0.5, the cermets showed fine grains, uniformly dispersed binders and small lattice misfit of the core-rim interface, exhibiting the optimal mechanical properties, i.e. satisfactory Vickers hardness of 1670 (HV30) Kgf/mm², bending strength of 1970 MPa and Fracture toughness of 8.94 MPa m^0.5. This work sheds light on constructing the relationship between the microstructure, mechanical performance of Ti(C,N)-based cermets and the Ni/Co-based binders.     

Pressureless sintering of alumina matrix ceramic materials improved by Al–Ti–B master alloys and diopside

Al–Ti–B master alloys and diopside are simultaneously introduced in alumina matrix ceramic materials as sintering aids. Fine structural alumina matrix ceramic materials are fabricated by pressureless sintering during which liquid phase, leading to interface reactions between alumina matrix and additives, is formed. Hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the composites are measured. The effects of diopside on mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of fine structural alumina matrix ceramic materials are analyzed together with the microstructure observations on fracture surfaces, the polished surfaces and the indentation cracks.     

Electroless deposited Ni–Re–P, Ni–W–P and Ni–Re–W–P alloys

Coatings of electroless Ni–W–P, Ni–Re–P and Ni–W–Re–P alloys were plated in alkaline citrate baths containing amino alcohols, but not free ammonia ions. The reference Ni–P alloy was used as an intermediate layer in the sandwich: Ni–Me–P/Ni–P/substrate. An extremely homogeneous thickness distribution of all alloy components was found by applying scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (SAES(. The inclusion of refractory metals at the expense of nickel and without substantial change in phosphorus content was established. A non-oxidized state of the codeposited Re and W in Ni–W–P, Ni–Re–P and Ni–W–Re–P alloys was determined by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy examination, as well as by SAES profiles, revealing the absence of oxygen throughout the coatings. All alloy films are amorphous and paramagnetic.     

Properties of TiN–Al2O3–TiCN–TiN,TiAlN, and DLC-coated Ti(C,N)-based cermets and their wear behaviors during dry cutting of 7075 aluminum alloys

In the work, TiAlN for physical vapor deposition (PVD), multilayer TiN-Al₂O₃-TiCN-TiN for chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and diamond-like carbon (DLC) for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were deposited on the cermet inserts. Characteristics and wear behaviors of the three coated cermets during dry cutting of 7075 aluminum alloys were observed. The results show that TiN-Al₂O₃-TiCN-TiN coatings have highest adhesion strength and hardness. At the cutting speed of 1100 r/min, the depth of 0.2 mm, and the feed rate of 0.1 mm/r, the three coated inserts show the best wear-resistant properties. In this case, TiN/Al₂O₃/TiCN/TiN shows the worst wear-resistant properties (value of the flank wear [VBB] = 0.062 mm), while DLC coatings show the most excellent wear-resistant properties (VBB = 0.046 mm). During the cutting of aluminum alloys, which have high plasticity and low melting point, adhesive wear dominate on the flank of the inserts. The thickest coating of TiN/Al₂O₃/TiCN/TiN results in the bluntest cutting edge, which form the most serious adhesive worn zone. For the TiAlN and DLC coatings, due to a smaller cutting force, the two coatings have much better wear resistance. Further, the self-lubricating properties of DLC show excellent effect on protecting the inserts. Thus, the DLC-coated cermets have the best wear-resistant properties. Further, the TiAlN-coated cermets have the widest wear-affected zone while the DLC coating has the narrowest.     

Effect of FeAl3 on properties of (W,Ti)C–FeAl3 hard materials consolidated by a pulsed current activated sintering method

Using a pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) method, the densification of (W,Ti)C and (W,Ti)C–FeAl₃ hard materials was accomplished within 3 min. The advantage of this process is not only rapid densification to near theoretical density, but also prevention of grain growth in nano-structured materials. Highly dense (W,Ti)C and (W,Ti)C–FeAl₃ with a relative density up to 99% were obtained within 3 min by PCAS under a pressure of 80 MPa. The average grain size of the (W,Ti)C was less than 100 nm. Hardness and fracture toughness of the dense (W,Ti)C and (W,Ti)C–FeAl₃ produced by PCAS were also investigated. The fracture toughness and hardness values of (W,Ti)C, (W,Ti)C–5 vol.% FeAl₃, and (W,Ti)C–10 vol.% FeAl₃ consolidated by PCAS were 7.5 MPa m^1/2 and 2650 kg/mm², 10.5 MPa m^1/2 and 2480 kg/mm², 11 MPa m^1/2 and 2300 kg/mm², respectively.     

Cr3C2–20%Ni cermets prepared by high energy milling and reactive sintering,and their mechanical properties

Cr₃C₂–20%Ni cermets were fabricated with Cr, C and Ni mixed-powder by high energy milling and reactive carburising sintering. The elemental powders of Cr, C and Ni were mixed with proper ratio (Cr/C?=?3:2 atomic ratio) and milled to the nanometre crystallite sizes (about 20–30?nm). Specimens were cold-isostatically pressed at 200?MPa and sintered at 1453, 1503 and 1553?K with vacuum atmosphere for 1?h, respectively. It was shown that the relative density of the sintered specimens increases first and then decreases slightly with increasing sintering temperature. The maximum values of the hardness (86.7HRA) and bending strength (1140?MPa) were achieved at 1503?K.     

Ti–Al–Nb alloys by thermal explosion: Synthesis and characterization

For products of thermal explosion in Ti–Nb–2Al, Ti–Nb–2.5Al, and Ti–Nb–3Al compacts, investigated were their morphology, phase composition, microstructure, and some physical parameters. Best homogeneity and lowest porosity were shown by the products derived from Ti–Nb–3Al compacts. The main product of thermal explosion was tetragonal γ-TiAl with a distorted lattice, tentatively a solid solution of Nb in TiAl.     

Structure and characteristics of amorphous (Ti,Si)–C:H films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering

The hydrogenated amorphous carbon films doped with Ti and Si ((Ti,Si)–C:H) were deposited on silicon substrates using reactive magnetron sputtering Ti₈₀Si₂₀ composite target in an argon and methane gas mixture. The structures of the films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Visible Raman spectroscopy. The morphologies were observed by atomic force microscope. The friction coefficients of the films were tested on the ball-on-disc tribometer. The results indicate that the sp³/sp² ratios in the films can be varied from 0.18 to 0.63 by changing Ti and Si contents at various CH₄ flow rates. The surface of the films becomes smoother and more compact as the CH₄ flow rate increases. The lowest friction coefficient is as low as 0.0139 for the film with Ti of 4.5 at.% and Si of 1.0 at.%. Especially, the film exhibits a superlow value (μ < 0.01) under ambient air with 40% relative humidity in friction process. The superlow friction coefficient in ambient air may be, attributable to synergistic effects of a combination of Ti and Si in the film.     

Ni–Mo and Ni–W sulfide catalysts prepared by decomposition of binary thiometallates

Ni–Mo and Ni–W sulfide catalysts with atomic ratio R = 0.5 (Ni/(Ni + M), with M = Mo or W) prepared by decomposition of Ni-impregnated thiometallates were evaluated in the reaction of thiophene hydrodesulfurization. Catalysts derived from impregnated thiometallates (DTI samples) presented improved catalytic activity and higher synergistic effect than catalysts prepared by co-precipitation (HSP samples) despite the fact that co-precipitated catalysts showed larger surface area. Structure characterization by high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed different crystalline phases in DTI and HSP catalysts. A mixture of phases (MS₂, NiS_1.03 and MO₂) was observed in catalysts obtained by co-precipitation. Only the poorly crystalline MS₂ phase was observed in DTI catalysts suggesting that the Ni promoter is very well dispersed on the chalcogenide structure.     

Effect of WC or NbC addition on lattice parameter of surrounding structure in Ti(C0.7N0.3)–Ni cermets investigated by TEM/CBED

The changes in the lattice parameters of the solid solutions in the Ti(C_0.7N_0.3)–WC–Ni and Ti(C_0.7N_0.3)–NbC–Ni systems were first shown quantitatively by the CBED (Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction) technique together with TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) microstructure characterization. The extent of the changes in the lattice parameters between core and rim differs in the case of WC and NbC additions. No change in the lattice parameters is observed in the Ti(C_0.7N_0.3)–WC–Ni cermets, in contrast to the Ti(C,N)–NbC–Ni cermets where significant changes in the lattice parameters are observed. The difference in the parameters is correlated with the core/rim structure, which disappears in the Ti(C,N)–NbC–Ni cermets when a large amount of NbC is added, and is discussed based on thermodynamic arguments. Large strain in the core and rim structure, especially near the core/rim interface, is also observed from the HOLZ (High Order Laue Zone) line splitting.     

Effect of two-step sintering on microstructure and mechanical properties of ceria-stabilized zirconia-toughened alumina-added titania (CSZTA–TiO2)

Effect of two-step sintering (TSS) on microstructure and mechanical properties of ceria-stabilized zirconia-toughened alumina with added TiO₂ (CSZTA–TiO₂) was studied. A coprecipitation technique was used to produce the CSZTA–TiO₂ powders. The synthesized powders were compacted using a uniaxial hydraulic press and conventionally sintered in air. The phase and microstructure of sintered samples were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Phases were quantified using the Rietveld refinement method. Different TSS schedules were followed to optimize microstructure and mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of the CSZTA-4TiO₂ composite were evaluated and found as follows: Vickers's hardness of 1650 ± 9.6 HV10, indentation fracture toughness of 8.45 ± .14 MPa √m, compressive strength of 2088 MPa, and Young's modulus of 158 GPa.     

Wetting of YSZ by molten Sn–8Zr,Sn–4Zr–4Ti,and Sn–8Ti alloys at 800–900 °C

The wetting of 3% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) by Sn–8Zr, Sn–4Zr–4Ti, and Sn–8Ti alloys was studied at 800–900 °C. Both Zr and Ti improve the wettability via the formation of reaction products and adsorption. In the systems containing Zr additives in the alloys, ZrO_2-x precipitates preferentially, and the wettability is dominated by interface adsorption. An anomalous temperature dependence was found in the final wettability of these systems owing to the decrease in adsorption with an increase in the temperature. The spreading dynamics are controlled by the dissolution of Zr, followed by the formation of a wetting ridge. The wettability of the Sn–8Ti/YSZ system is dominated by the precipitation of reaction products (Ti₂O₃ and Ti_11.31Sn₃O₁₀). The reaction kinetics is the limiting factor for spreading in Sn–8Ti/YSZ, and the adsorption at the interface significantly decreased the energy barrier for wetting.     

The milling effect of a new horizontal attrition milling in the production of (Ti0.7,W0.3)C–Ni cermet

The mechanical alloying (MA) method is a powerful and practical process to fabricate advanced materials with unique properties. Developing an effective milling process to produce high-quality powder suitable for scale-up is one of the main issues for the MA method. This study introduces a new high energy ball milling technique, the horizontal attrition ball milling (HAM). The milling effect of the HAM is superior to that of the conventional planetary and attrition milling techniques in the size reduction of particles (fragmentation) and the impact of milling (mechanical strength). The ultrafine (Ti_0.7,W_0.3)C–Ni cermet powders can be obtained by the HAM since (Ti_0.7,W_0.3)C particle growth is effectively inhibited during the carbothermal reduction. Sintered (Ti_0.7,W_0.3)C–Ni cermet by the HAM has excellent mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness). This study demonstrates that the newly designed HAM is a practical method for synthesizing ultrafine ceramic and composite powders appropriate to produce structural ceramics and composites that have excellent mechanical properties.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of (Zr,Ti)B2–SiC composites obtained by pressureless sintering of ZrB2–SiC–TiO2 powder mixtures

Multiphase ceramics have been highlighted due to the combination of different properties. This work proposes to obtain the multiphase composite of (Zr,Ti)B₂–SiC based on the mixture of ZrB₂, SiC, and TiO₂ sintered without pressure. The effect of TiO₂ addition on solid solution formation with ZrB₂, densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. For this, 2.0 wt% TiO₂ was added to ZrB₂–SiC composites with 10–30 vol% SiC and processed by reactive pressureless sintering at 2050 °C with a 2 h holding time. Sinterability, crystalline phases, microstructure, Vickers hardness, and indentation fracture toughness of these composites were analyzed and compared to the non-doped ZrB₂–SiC samples. The XRD analysis and EDS elemental map images indicated the incorporation of Ti atoms into the ZrB₂ crystalline structure with solid solution generation of (Zr,Ti)B₂. The addition of TiO₂ resulted in matrix grain size refinement and a predominant intergranular fracture mode. The relative densities were not significantly modified with the TiO₂ addition, though a higher weight loss was detected after the sample sintering process. The composites doped with TiO₂ showed an increase in fracture toughness but exhibited a slightly lower Vickers hardness compared to composites without TiO₂ addition.     

Grain boundary region and local piezoelectric response of BiScO3–PbTiO3 nanoceramics prepared by combination of SPS and two-step sintering

Highly dense 0.37BiScO₃–0.63PbTiO₃ (BS–PT) nanoceramics with average grain sizes of 23, 33 and 70 nm were prepared by a combination of spark plasma sintering and two-step sintering methods. The microstructure, phase and piezoelectric behaviours of BS–PT nanoceramics were investigated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that the samples had dense and thin grain boundaries. Experimental evidence demonstrated that the polarisations of the BS–PT nanoceramics were switchable and that their ferroelectricity was retained with grain sizes as fine as 23 nm. However, the local piezoelectric response showed a large fluctuation over different regions. Moreover, a significant difference between local and macro piezoelectric coefficients was observed. The properties of the grain boundary regions are the key factor to understanding the ferroelectric behaviours of BS–PT nanoceramics.     

Effects of tungsten and aluminium on the oxidation and phase formation in mechanically alloyed Ti(C,N)–W–Al systems

The effects of milling parameters and composition of the powder mixtures on the transformations of Ti(C,N)–W–Al powders processed by high energy ball milling were investigated by XRD, SEM and TEM. The strain energy and the fine particle size contributed to the high chemical reactivity with oxygen of the powders milled for 12–24 h. Powders milled for 48 h were chemically stable. The affinity with oxygen decreased after W dissolution in Ti(C,N), and the subsequent decrease in lattice strains. Aluminium lowered the lattice strains, and subsequently the strain energy stored in the deformed crystals of Ti(C_0.5N_0.05) and W milled above 25 °C. Fracturing of hard particles dominated in the early stage of milling in the absence of Al, whereas with Al, plastic deformation of particles and cold welding of Ti(C,N) and W particles by the softer Al prevailed at the same time.