Influence of Ni/Co binders and Mo2C on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of (Ti0.93W0.07)C–based cermets

Abstract

In this research, solid–solution powder of (Ti0.93W0.07)C was synthesized by high–energy ball mill method followed by carbothermal reduction process. Subsequently, the acquired powder was blended with Ni/Co and Mo2C secondary carbide, and sintered under the optimized temperature (1510 °C) for 1 h to produce the modulated cermets. A typical core–rim structure formation with solid–solution phases was confirmed by backscattered electrons studies using a Field Emission electron scanning microscope. The hardness of the synthesized cermets was enhanced by increasing the specific amount of Mo2C. The acquired results demonstrate that the binder type has a prominent influence on the microstructure and hardness of the prepared cermets. The hardness of (Ti0.93W0.07)C–xMo2C–Ni cermet increased ~ 9%, when nickel was partially substituted by cobalt.