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

Abstract

Ti(C, N)-based cermets are produced by vacuum sintering at 1420, 1430, and 1440°C. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of Ti(C, N)-based cermets is studied. The microstructure and fracture morphology are investigated with a scanning electron microscope; mechanical properties such as transverse rupture strength and hardness are measured. The results show that, with increasing sintering temperature, the microstructure of cermets became uniform, and the rim phase structure is gradually completed. When the sintering temperature reaches 1440 °C, the rim phase becomes thicker and more brittle, grains start growing, and the mechanical properties decrease, indicating that a sintering temperature of 1440°C is too high.