Enhancement effects of FeCoNiCrMn high-entropy alloy doping on the Ti(C, N)-based cermets: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

The enhancement effects of doping Ti(C, N)-based cermets with different contents of FeCoNiCrMn (HEA, high entropy alloy) on the mechanical properties, microstructure, cutting performance and high temperature bending strength of the Ti(C, N)-based cermets were investigated. Ti(C, N) particles had good wettability to the metal liquid phase of HEA, and with the increase of HEA content, the strength of the binder gradually improved. When the content of HEA was 12%, the cermets had the best comprehensive mechanical properties, with a relative density of 99.8%, Vickers hardness of 19.5 ± 0.2 GPa, fracture toughness of 8.2 ± 0.1 MPa·m1/2, and bending strength of 1229 ± 82 MPa. Compared with Co binders, HEA binders had better softening resistance at high temperatures. When the content of HEA exceeded 6%, the bending strength at 700 °C of the Ti(C, N)-based cermet tools were enhanced by 78%–96%, and the cutting life was increased by 35%–65%.