Microstructure and cutting performance of Ti（C, N）-based cermets heat-treated in nitrogen

Ti（C, N）-based cermets were treated using hot isostatic pressing （HIP） at 1423 K in nitrogen. The microstructures compared with the as-sintered cermets were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and electron microprobe analysis. It was found that high nitrogen activity in the surface zone resulted in the formation of gradient structure. Approximately 20-1am-deep, nitrogen-rich and titanium-rich hard surface zone was introduced by the heat treatment. The nitrogen activity was the driving force that caused the transportation of the atoms through the binder, titanium towards the surface, and tungsten and molybdenum inwards. In the surface zone, the particle size became fine, the inner rim disappeared, and the volume fraction of the outer rim and the binder phase considerably reduced. Small grains of TiN, WC, Mo2C, and nitrogen-rich carbonitlide phases formed in the surface zone during the heat treatment, improving the tlibological property of the heat-treated cermet.     

Effect of sintering on microstructures and properties of sub-micron Ti （C, N）-based cermets

The influence of different sintering processes, including vacuum sintering, vacuum sintering followed by HIP and sintering-HIP, on the microstructure and properties of sub-micron Ti(C,N) cermets with various binder contents was studied. Image analysis based on back-scattered electrons image observations was used to determine the morphologic and structural characteristics. Transverse rupture strength(TRS), hardness, fracture toughness were measured and TRS data were treated by Weibull statistics further. It is shown that a very significant improvement in TRS can be obtained by HIP or sintering-HIP treatment for the alloys with lower and middle binder content at the controlled cooling rate, but the effect is not obvious for the alloys with higher binder content. HIP is also helpful for improving the hardness of sub-micron Ti(C,N) cermets, however, but can lower the fracture toughness. The varia-tion of these properties was interpreted in terms of the difference in morphologic and structural characteristics.     

Effects of molybdenum on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti（C,N）-based cermets with low Ni

The effects of Mo on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti（C,N）-based cermets with low Ni have been studied systematically. Different contents of Mo （4-12 wt.%） were added into Tl（C,N）-based cermets. Specimens were fabricated by conventional powder metallurgy and vacuum sintered at temperatures of 1440, 1450, and 1460℃ individually. The microstructure and fracture morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscope, and the mechanical properties such as transverse strength and hardness were measured. The results show that the microstructure is uniform and the thickness of rim phase is moderate when the content of Mo is 8 wt.%; the mechanical properties of the specimens sintered at 1450℃ are better than those sintered at 1440 and 1460℃. The integrated properties of transverse strength and hardness are the best when the content of Mo is 8 wt.% and the sintering temperature is 1450℃.     

Influence of preparation process on sintering behavior and mechanical properties of ultrafine grained Ti（C, N）-based cermets

The influences of forming and sintering processes on distortion, cracking as well as mechanical properties of sintered bodies of ultrafine grained Ti（C, N）-based cermets were investigated. The results show that lubricant is indispensable to fabrication of ultrafine Ti（C, N）-based cermets, however, with low binder content in powder mixture, the lubrication action of paraffin is attenuated. A appropriate level of 2% （mass fraction） paraffin is determined for a cermet with binder content of 36% （mass fraction）. It is also found that the influence of compaction pressure on distortion and cracking of sintered bodies presents a complex relationship. A relatively lower or higher compaction pressure, less than 100 MPa and more than 400 MPa respectively, favors uniform density distribution in green compact. The heating rate of sintering should be strictly controlled. Too fast heating rate results in enclosed pores to burst and forms large size pores in sintering body. A heating rate of 3 ℃/min is recommended.     

Evolution of Ti （C, N）-based cermet microstructures

Two series of Ti(C, N)-based cermet materials originating from the same chemical composition but with dif-ferent grain size distribution and sintered to different stages of the sintering cycle have been studied using SEM, TEM,EDX, and XRD. Much of the surrounding structure is formed during solid state sintering. During the solid state sintering, at first, the Mo and W rich (Ti, Mo, W)C inner rim is formed by the interaction among TiC, WC, and Mo2C; then the Mo and W lean (Ti, Mo, W)(C, N)outer rim is formed. During the liquid phase sintering, the outer rim of coarse grains grows rapidly throw a solution-reprecipitation process; aLso coarse grains grow by particle coalescence. The interface between coarse grain outer rim and binder is flat (crystal surface).     

Effect of hot isostatic pressing nitrogen on the microstructure and properties of a Ti（C, N）-based cermet

The high-temperature, high-pressure hot isostatic pressing technology was used for depositing hard coatings on Ti（C, N）-based cermets. The rnicrostructure and properties of the sample were investigated using optical microscopy, scan- ning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and microhardness tester. The results showed that the rich titanium and nitrogen in surface zone were induced by the heat treatment. The high nitrogen activity of the surface region was the driving force for outward transport of titanium and inward transport of tungsten in the cobalt binder. The toughness and hardness were improved and a hardness gradient was formed. It is the high-temperature, high-pressure N2 that enables closure of holes, thereby alleviating defects and prolonging tool life.     

Characterization of phase transformation and microstructure of nano hard phase Ti（C,N）-based cermet by spark plasma sintering

By means of optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the process of densification, the characterization of phase transformation and the microstructure for spark plasma sintering (SPS) nano hard phase Ti(C, N)-based cermet were investigated. It is found that the spark plasma sintering (SPS) enables the nano hard phase Ti(C,N)-based cermet to densify rapidly, however, the full densification of the sintered samples can not be obtained. The rate of phase transformation is significantly quick.When being sintered at 1 200℃ for 8 min, Mo2C is completely dissolved, and TiN dissolves into TiC entirely and disappears. Above 1200℃, Ti(C,N) begins to decompose and the atoms of C and N separate from Ti(C,N) resul-ting in the generation of N2 and the graphite. Due to the denitrification and the graphitization, the density and the hardness of sintered samples are rather low. The distribution of grain size of the sample sintered at 1350℃ covers a wide range of 90-500 nm, and most of the grain size are about 200 nm. The hard phase is not of typical core-rim structure. Oxides on the surface of particles can not be fully removed and present in sample as titanium oxide TiO2.Graphite exists in band-like shape.     

Microstructure and shear strength of the brazed joint of Ti（C,N）-based cermet to steel

Firm joins were obtained between Ti(C,N)-based cermet and steel with Ag-Cu-Zn-Ni filler metal by vacuum brazing. The effects of technological parameters such as brazing temperature, holding time, and filler thickness on the shear strength of the joints were investigated. The microstructure of welded area and the reaction products of the filler metal were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), metallographic microscope (OM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The brazing temperature of 870°C, holding time of 15 min, and filler thickness of 0.4 mm are a set of optimum technological parameters, under which the maximum shear strength of the joints, 176.5 MPa, is achieved. The results of microstructure show that the wettability of the filler metal on Ti(C,N)-based cermet and steel is well. A mutual solution layer and a diffusion layer exist between the welding base materials and the filler metal.     

Effect of adding methods of metallic phase on microstructure and thermal shock resistance of Ni/（90NiFe2O4-10NiO） cermets

Ball mixing and electroless plating were respectively used as the adding methods of metallic phase to prepare Ni/（90NiFe2O4-10NiO） cermets for the inert anode in aluminum electrolysis. The microstructure and thermal shock resistance of cermet samples were studied. The results show that, for the samples prepared by ball mixing method, aggregation of metallic phase is found in either the green blocks or sintered samples and the extent of aggregation increases with the increase of metal content. For 6.5Ni/（90NiFe2O4-10NiO） cermets prepared with electroless plating method, the homogeneous and fine metallic particles are found in either the green compacts or sintered samples, but the relative density and thermal shock residual strength decrease by 3% and 28%-58% respectively, compared with samples prepared with ball mixing method.     

VC/Cr3C2对Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷微观组织和力学性能的影响

研究VC/Cr3C2对Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷微观组织和力学性能的影响.利用光学显微镜、X射线衍射仪和扫描电镜结合能谱仪研究微观组织.测试横向断裂强度、硬度和断裂韧性等力学性能.结果表明:微观组织中存在“黑芯-灰壳”和“白芯-灰壳”结构;由于添加VC/Cr3C2,硬质相晶粒变细,添加0.75VC/0.25Cr3C2的金属陶瓷晶粒细化最明显;黑芯随着VC添加量的增加而变细,壳随着Cr3C2添加量的减少而变厚;孔隙率随着VC/Cr3C2中VC的量增加而增大;横向断裂强度和硬度均升高,并且均在添加0.25VC/0.75Cr3C2时达到最大值;按适当的VC和Cr3C2添加量比例添加VC/Cr3C2可以有效地使断裂韧性升高,并在添加0.5VC/0.5Cr3C2时取得最大值.     

纳米Ti(C,N)增强Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷的研究

采用纳米Ti(C，N)粉末制备Ti(C，N)基金属陶瓷，研究了纳米粉末对金属陶瓷组织及性能的影响。结果表明，粉末冶金过程中，纳米Ti(C，N)粉末易于在粘结相中扩散与溶解及沿晶界分布，降低了硬质相在粘结相中的溶解度，抑制了晶粒长大，提高了材料的红硬性能。抗弯强度与晶粒尺寸满足于Hall-Perch公式，5wt％～l0wt％的纳米粉末加入量可使金属陶瓷的抗弯强度和切削性能得到较大的提高，但硬度变化不大。切削磨损主要表现为磨粒磨损和轻微的粘着磨损，磨痕细小均匀。     

Effect of carbon content and cooling mode on the microstructure and properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

Ti(C,N)-based cermets were prepared by vacuum liquid sintering. The effects of carbon content as well as cooling mode on the microstructure, magnetic and mechanical properties of the cermets were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Hardness and transverse rupture strength (TRS) were also measured. The grains of Ti(C,N)-based cermets became finer and solid solubility of titanium, molybdenum, tungsten in binder phases decreased with increasing carbon content. The thickness of the rim phases increased when the cermet was annealed at 1360 °C for 30 min during cooling, which resulted in the decrease of the hardness and the transverse rupture strength (TRS). On the other hand, the magnetic saturation of Ti(C,N)-based cermets increased with increasing carbon content, which was due to the decrease of the solid solution of alloy elements in binder phases.     

粘结剂成分对Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷腐蚀行为的影响

研究了含38 wt% Ni或Ni–20Cr粘结剂的2种Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷在0.2 M H2SO4和0.2 M NaOH溶液中的室温腐蚀行为。在0.2 MH2SO4溶液中,2种金属陶瓷的腐蚀行为和耐蚀性存在一些明显的差异：与以Ni作粘结剂的金属陶瓷不同,以Ni–20Cr作粘结剂的金属陶瓷浸泡过程中表面自发生成NiO、Ni(OH)x(SO4)y、Cr2O3和Cr(OH)3,致使粘结相溶解十分缓慢;动电位极化过程中不发生钝化,伪钝化后电流密度增加较快。在0.2 M NaOH溶液中,2种金属陶瓷的腐蚀行为和耐蚀性无明显差异：浸泡过程中陶瓷晶粒溶解十分缓慢,同时生成NiOOH和Cr6+化合物;动电位极化过程中不发生钝化,但发生伪钝化。     

Effect of VC addition on sinterability and microstructure of ultrafine Ti(C, N)-based cermets in spark plasma sintering

The effect of vanadium carbide (VC) addition on the sinterability and the microstructure of ultrafine Ti(C, N)-based cermets consolidated through spark plasma sintering (SPS) was systematically investigated using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Our results reveal that the addition of VC increases the porosity of sintering body and depresses the sinterability of Ti(C, N)-based cermets. It is also found that the VC addition has a significant influence on the microstructure of ultrafine Ti(C, N)-based cermets, which inhibits the dissolution of titanium-containing compounds and the formation of inner rim phase and outer rim phase, thus preventing from grain growth. Owing to the depressed dissolution and precipitation, nitrogen liberation is mitigated, therefore resulting in less amount of graphite phase in the samples. In substance, VC changes the solubility of metallic elements in the binder, which makes more elements of Mo and W to be reserved in the binder and thus greatly decreases the content of titanium dissolved into the binder. The re-building solubility rule determines the development of phases and microstructure.     

Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷断口形貌及增韧机理

采用真空烧结工艺制备Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷,测定了材料的力学性能。结果表明,其力学性能与未加纳米粉的金属陶瓷相比,硬度略有升高,但横向断裂韧性提高了近一倍。断口形貌和微观组织分析表明:金属陶瓷的断口形貌与其强韧性有着密切的关系。纳米粉的加入降低了原始粉末的平均粒度,使得金属陶瓷硬质相的粒度降低,减小了晶粒间的平均自由程。镶嵌于大颗粒环形相和弥散分布于粘结相中的细小硬质相颗粒,对裂纹的形成和扩展起到阻碍作用,会使金属陶瓷因裂纹扩展途径发生偏转而增韧。     

镍钴对超细Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷性能的影响

研究了Co部分和全部代替Ni对超细Ti(C,N)基金属陶瓷性能的影响。采用X射线衍射仪对物相研究发现:金属相中w(Co)=10%和w(Co)=15%时,金属陶瓷中出现金属间化合物,并且有两种Co的同素异构体并存;力学性能测试表明:5%的Co取代5%的Ni可以明显提高金属陶瓷的抗弯强度、硬度和断裂韧性。金属相为10%Ni-5%Co时,材料的综合力学性能最好。