The Effects of Sintering Process on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiB<sub>2</sub>-Ti(C<sub>0.5</sub>N<sub>0.5</sub>)-WC Composite Tool Materials

Abstract

TiB2-Ti (C0.5N0.5)-WC composite tool materials were fabricated by the hot-pressing technique. The effects of sintering process on microstructure and mechanical properties of TiB2 -Ti (C0.5N0.5) -WC composite tool materials were studied. The flexural strength was measured by three point bending test, and Vickers hardness and the fracture toughness were measured on polished surfaces by Vickers indentation. The microstructure of TiB2-Ti (C0.5N0.5)-WC composite ceramic was analyzed by XRD and SEM observations. The results show that the mechanical properties can be improved in a proper heating mode. When the direct heating-up mode was conducted, the flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness reached 854MPa, 7.2MPa·m1/2 and 19.7GPa, respectively.