Effect of WC on the microstructure and mechanical properties of nano Ti(C,N)-based cermets

In this paper, nano Ti(C,N)-based cermets with different WC additions were prepared by conventional powder metallurgy techniques. The microstructure of nano cermets was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that there existed three kinds of “core–rim” structure in nano cermets, i.e., “black core–white rim”, “white core–gray rim” and “gray core–white rim” structures. With the increase of WC addition, there were more “white core–gray rim” and “gray core–white rim” grains. The amount of the abnormal growth grains decreased and the grains became more homogeneous with the WC addition. The lattice parameter of Ti(C,N) would increase with the WC addition. The mechanical properties of nano cermets were also improved with the increase of WC addition.