Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Ti(C,B)-Based Cermets with Multi-Component AlCoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloys Binder

Abstract

In this study, Ti (C,N)-based cermets with multi-component AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys binder were successfully fabricated by mechanical alloying and low pressure sintering. The results indicate that the introduction of AlCoCrFeNi HEAs binder extended the formation process of (W,M)C rim phase by WC diffusion-solution mechanism, and repressed the precipitation process of the outer rim phase. On the other hand, the TEM micro-area analysis revealed a lath modulated structure, which massive nanoparticles are precipitated in the spinodal plate zone, 3-20nm in diameter. The nanocrystalline dispersion would provide an effective precipitation strengthening effect. The results of mechanical properties revealed that the cermets with AlCoCrFeNi HEAs binder achieved the co-enhancement of hardness and toughness. The novel material exhibits a high Vickers hardness of 1787 MPa, along with a good fracture toughness value of 11.4 MPa m1/2.