Abstract
TiB2-ZrC cermet composites were sintered at different temperatures by hot pressing in vacuum. Effects of ultrafine refractory carbides and sintering temperatures on microstructures and mechanical properties were evaluated. The relationships between mechanical properties and microstructure are discussed. A typical black core-grey rim structure was observed; the grain size of TiB2 remarkably decreased when ultrafine refractory carbides were added into the matrix. The incorporation of vanadium carbide (VC) and niobium carbide (NbC) clearly improved the flexural strength and hardness. This can be attributed to the fine uniform grain size and solid solution strengthening mechanism. It was also observed that the introduction of VC and tantalum carbide (TaC) enhanced the indentation fracture resistance of composites. This can be attributed to the favorable solubility of VC in TiB2-ZrC system and the pinning effect of precipitated TaC. In this study, the typical core-rim structure, good solubility of VC, pinning effect of TaC, and crack deflection and branching improved the mechanical properties of TiB2-ZrC cermet composites.
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