Scanning Electron Microscopy Backscatter Research Articles

Rapid synthesis of Nd-doped Y3Fe5O12 garnet waste forms by microwave sintering

The garnet structure is a promising solid material for nuclear waste because it can contain all kinds of actinides. Yttrium iron garnet Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) is the model component of this kind of substitute. In this study, Nd-doped YIG ceramic samples were prepared by microwave sintering at different sintering temperatures (1100 °C, 1200 °C, and 1300 °C) for different sintering time (0.5 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h). The effects of synthesis temperature and sintering time on the solubility and microstructure of Y3-xNdxFe5O12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3.0) were evaluated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and backscattering scanning electron microscopy (EBSD) results show that single phase garnet structure can be synthesized and enhanced solubility of Nd in YIG was found at higher temperatures. The solubility of Nd in garnet is 50 mol% (x = 1.5) and 60 mol% (x = 1.8) at 1200 °C and 1300 °C, respectively. There is no significant dependence of the solubility on sintering time. The SEM analysis and Archimedes drainage test show that the relative density of Y1.2Nd1.8Fe5O12 ceramics is 88.15% and 99.94% at 0.5 h and 6 h, respectively, indicating dense YIG could be obtained with a relatively long sintering time. The results show that microwave sintering can rapidly and efficiently synthesize the YIG ceramic samples.

CO2-Tolerant Oxygen Permeation Membranes Containing Transition Metals as Sintering Aids with High Oxygen Permeability

Chemical doping of ceramic oxides may provide a possible route for realizing high-efficient oxygen transport membranes. Herein, we present a study of the previously unreported dual-phase mixed-conducting oxygen-permeable membranes with the compositions of 60 wt.% Ce0.85Pr0.1M0.05O2-δ-40 wt.%Pr0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Al0.2O3-δ (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) (CPM-PSFA) adding sintering aids, which is expected to not only improve the electronic conductivity of fluorite phase, but also reduce the sintering temperature and improve the sintering properties of the membranes. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the CPM-PSFA contain only the fluorite and perovskite two phases, implying that they are successfully prepared with a modified Pechini method. Backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BSEM) results further confirm that two phases are evenly distributed, and the membranes are very dense after sintering at 1275 °C for 5 h, which is much lower than that (1450 °C, 5 h) of the composite 60 wt.%Ce0.9Pr0.1O2-δ-40 wt.%Pr0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Al0.2O3-δ (CP-PSFA) without sintering aids. The results of oxygen permeability test demonstrate that the oxygen permeation flux through the CPCu-PSFA and CPCo-PSFA is higher than that of undoped CP-PSFA and can maintain stable oxygen permeability for a long time under pure CO2 operation condition. Our results imply that these composite membranes with high oxygen permeability and stability provide potential candidates for the application in oxygen separation, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and oxy-fuel combustion based on carbon dioxide capture.

Geochemical Properties and Pore Structure Control on Oil Extraction of Shale

Abstract Despite geochemical properties and pore structures for shale oil extraction, the interplay among shale chemistry, pore network, and hydrocarbon movability still is an open question. Here, by using hybrid experimental methods, including backscatter scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, adsorption/desorption isotherm, and nuclear magnetic resonance, we provide a general characteristic of geochemistry and pore structures of Chang 7 (C7) shale in Ordos basin and figure out how these properties impact the shale oil extraction. Our results confirmed that the C7 shale in Ordos basin could be divided into three types based on the mineral components with various pore structures, and the proportion of the pores that radius below 4.8 nm (from adsorption branch) or 3.8 nm (from desorption branch) play a dominant role in the determination of pore size distributions. The kerogen index that is derived from maceral types was the most significant geochemical indicator; high kerogen index was corresponding to large pore volumes and surface areas, but low pore diameters. We identify the pore structure mechanism—mesopores predominantly or micropores abundantly (increase free fluid index) and absence of inorganic or organic pores (decrease free fluid index)—responsible for the oil extraction capability and show that the unmovable fluid stained in the voids would lead to the slow rate decay of the curves, which caused the nonsignal disturbance. Our results demonstrate the powerful control of maceral components and pore diameters on shale oil extraction and show the markedly different flow behavior of various types of shale.

Elemental analysis insights into atherosclerotic calcification

Background . Atherosclerosis is frequently accompanied by an extensive calcification, yet the mechanisms behind its initiation and progression remain obscure. In particular, there is unclear whether large mineral deposits grow concentrically or by merging of microcalcifications. Aim of the study was to investigate calcium phosphate maturation during atherosclerotic calcification employing an elemental analysis approach. Material and methods . We collected 20 calcified atherosclerotic plaques excised during carotid endarterectomy. After being fixed in formalin and postfixed in osmium tetroxide, plaques were dehydrated and stained in uranyl acetate with the subsequent embedding into epoxy resin, grinding, polishing, and lead citrate counterstaining. Upon the sputter coating with carbon, we visualised the plaque microanatomy by means of backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analysis was carried out using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in the backscattered mode at high vacuum and 20 kV voltage. The analysis was performed at 11 radial points within the calcium deposit and 4 control points at ascending distance from the deposit. Results . Calcium to phosphate ratio differed between the calcium deposits in distinct plaques and also within the same plaque. We found a statistically significant correlation between calcium to phosphate ratio in the center and periphery of the calcium deposit. Areas with distinct electron density had different calcium to phosphate ratio; however, there was no clear correlation between these parameters. Conclusion . Correlation of calcium to phosphate ratio in the center and periphery of the calcium deposit suggests that its maturation develops from the center to the periphery rather than by merging of neighboring calcium deposits.

FABRICATION OF UNDERCOOLED BISMUTH TIN LIQUID METAL PARTICLES WITH HIGH YIELD

Despite increasing attention to the liquid metals, most of the studies in this field have focused on the gallium-based alloys due to their low melting points. The examples of metastable undercooled liquid metal particles are rare due to the thermodynamic challenges in achieving significant level of undercooling. In this study, the fabrication of undercooled bismuth-tin (BiSn) liquid metal micro- /nano-particles at eutectic composition was studied. The droplet emulsion technique was used for particle formation in broad size range. The effects of the particle size and the shell formation reactions on the yield of undercooled particles were investigated. The fabricated particles were characterized using back- scattered scanning electron microscopy (BSE-SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The particle size distribution and the ratio of undercooled particles were statistically analyzed. Optimization of the processing conditions and the successful selection of oxidants enabled undercooling of BiSn liquid metal particles. In doing so, both micro- and nano-size particles could be fabricated with high yield (≥ 97%). The crystallization temperature was measured to be 0.37 Tm and the particles could preserve their liquid state at room temperatures for months.

Fundamental study on preferential reduction of Ni in NiFe2O4

The effect of thermodynamic variables on the preferential reduction of nickel in trevorite was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Experimental results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), backscattered electron-scanning electron microscopy (BSE-SEM), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) indicated that the reduction behaviour of trevorite depends significantly on the thermodynamic stability determined by the temperature and oxygen potential. The nickel content in the metal phase increased as the temperature increased and CO partial pressure decreased, and the composition of the metal phase approached the stoichiometric nickel concentration of trevorite. The oxide phases that equilibrate with the metal phase during the reduction process change from spinel to monoxide. The stability diagram of trevorite represented the non-stoichiometric characteristics of wustite. The preferential reduction of nickel strongly depends on the stability diagram of trevorite, and the relationship between the stability diagram of trevorite and preferential reduction of nickel is discussed in detail.

Additive-manufactured Ti-6Al-4\u2009V/Polyetheretherketone composite porous cage for Interbody fusion: bone growth and biocompatibility evaluation in a porcine model

BackgroundWe developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology.MethodsPorous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed.ResultsMicro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60 and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group.ConclusionThe composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.

Characterization of the Pore Structure of Well Cement under Carbon Capture and Storage Conditions by an Image-Based Method with a Combination of Metal Intrusion.

To more quantitatively and subtly analyze effects of carbonation on the pore structure of well cement by supercritical CO2 under carbon capture and storage (CCS) conditions, a digital scanning electron microscopy-backscattered electron (SEM-BSE) image analysis with a combination of nontoxic low-melting point metal intrusion is used to characterize the exposed cements to humid supercritical CO2 for 10 and 20 days. The porous area fraction (PAF) and pore size distribution (PSD) profiles obtained by slicing operation are used to describe the pore structure variation along the corrosion direction in a two-dimensional (2D) plane. The results show that the image-based method with the combination of metal intrusion is an effective method for characterizing the layer structure of exposed cement and getting quantitative information about the pore structure. From the surface to the core, the main altered layers in exposed cement for 10 days include the partially leached layer, the carbonated layer, and the calcium hydroxide (CH)-dissolved layer. For the exposed cement for 20 days, the main altered layers include the porous leached layer, the partially leached layer, the carbonated layer, and the carbonated transition layer. The nonporous carbonated layer can effectively block the flow parallel to the corrosion direction, while the porous leached layer can facilitate the flow perpendicular to the corrosion direction. Findings from this study will provide valuable information for understanding the effects of carbonation on the pore structure of well cement under CCS conditions.

Fabrication of sustainable magnesium phosphate cement micromortar using design of experiments statistical modelling: Valorization of ceramic-stone-porcelain containing waste as filler

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is a potential sustainable alternative to Portland cement. It is possible to lower the total CO2 emissions related to MPC manufacturing by using by-products and wastes as raw materials. When by-products are used to develop MPC, the resultant binder can be referred to as sustainable magnesium phosphate cement (sust-MPC). This research incorporates ceramic, stone, and porcelain waste (CSP) as a filler in sust-MPC to obtain a micromortar. Sust-MPC is formulated with KH2PO4 and low-grade MgO (LG-MgO), a by-product composed of 40–60 wt% MgO. CSP is the non-recyclable glass fraction generated by the glass recycling industry. The effect of water and CSP addition on the mechanical properties of sust-MPC was analyzed using design of experiments (DoE). A statistical model was obtained and validated by testing ideally formulated samples achieved through optimization of the DoE. The optimal formulation (15 wt% of CSP and a water to cement ratio of 0.34) was realized by maximizing the compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of curing, resulting in values of 18 and 25 MPa respectively. After one year of curing, the micromortar was physico-chemically characterized in-depth using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BSEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The optimal formulation showed good integration of CSP particles in the ceramic matrix. Thus, a potential reaction between silica and the K-struvite matrix may have occurred after one year of curing.

Histomorphometric Analysis of Osseointegrated Grade V Titanium Mini Transitional Implants in Edentulous Mandible by Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy (BS-SEM)

The purpose of this study is to assess the use of grade V titanium mini transitional implants (MTIs) immediately loaded by a temporary overdenture. For this, a histomorphometric analysis of the bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) was performed by backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BS-SEM). Four female patients were submitted to surgery in which two MTIs were installed and immediately loaded with a temporary acrylic prosthesis. During the same surgery, two regular diameter implants were placed inside the bone and maintained without mechanical load. After 8 months, the MTIs were extracted using a trephine and processed for ultrastructural bone analysis by BS-SEM, and the regular-diameter implants were loaded with an overdenture device. A total of 243 BAFOs of MTIs were analyzed, of which 94 were mainly filled with cortical bone, while 149 were mainly filled with trabecular bone. Bone tissue analysis considering the total BAFOs with calcified tissues showed 72.13% lamellar bone, 26.04% woven bone, and 1.82% chondroid bone without significant differences between the samples. This study revealed that grade V titanium used in immediately loaded MTI was successfully osseointegrated by a mature and vascularized bone tissue as assessed from the BAFO.

SEM study of black, blue, violet and yellow inglaze colours of the oldest Swiss tin‐opacified stove tiles (c.1450–c.1512, canton Bern)*

The ceramic colours of eight late medieval to early Renaissance stove tiles were studied by scanning electron microscopy‐backscattered electron (SEM‐BSE) images and SEM with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Microstructural observations and chemical compositions of these colours give some insight into the colouring agents and techniques used by the potters. All decorations were applied as inglaze opaque colours on the unfired powdery tin‐opacified glaze. The base glass was a Si‐Pb glass, that is, for the blue, not a K‐rich smalt. Two Co blue, with or without relics of Fe‐Co‐Ni and Ni‐Co spinels (‘safre’), could be distinguished. Pb‐Sn‐Sb triple oxide was used for the yellow. The violet was obtained by adding some Mn to the tin‐opacified glaze. The black was either a Mn‐doped blue or a CuO‐SnO2 black. The colours were probably purchased and not locally prepared.

Improvement in tensile properties of pre-strained steel specimen by applying pulsed electric current

This study aims to improve the mechanical properties of pre-strained steel specimens by applying pulsed electric current. Initial damage in steel specimens is introduced utilizing uniaxial tensile pre-straining. The damaged specimens are treated with pulsed electric current using different electro-pulsing parameters. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to observe and quantify the change in microstructure before and after the application of pulsed electric current. The experimental results indicate that the electro-pulsing parameters play a crucial role in damage recovery. A small change in the pulse duration shows a high impact on the tensile properties of pre-strained specimens. Damage healing and mechanical properties improvement are observed due to Joule heating, thermal compressive stress, annihilation of dislocations, and collapse of microvoids.

Preclinical evaluation of a 3D-printed hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold for ridge augmentation

Supracrestal ridge augmentation (SRA) is a major challenge for clinicians. This study investigated the efficacy of a 3D-printed (3DP) hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HA/PLGA) scaffold as a potential biologic for SRA. Scaffolds that were 5mm in diameter and 2.5-mm thick with a 1.2-mm diameter through-and-through central hole composed of 90% HA and 10% PLGA were printed using an extrusion-based bioprinter. The HA/PLGA scaffold was fixed with a 1.2-mm titanium mini-implant on the buccal surface of rat mandible (Ti-HPS), and the outcome of SRA were compared with sites treated with a titanium mini-implant alone (control) and a titanium mini-implant covered with deproteinized bovine bone-derived matrix (Ti-DBBM) at 4 and 8 weeks by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), back-scattered SEM, and histology assessments. The HA/PLGA scaffolds were 2.486±0.082mm thick with an outer diameter of 4.543±0.057mm and an inner diameter of 1.089±0.045mm, and the pore dimensions were 0.48-0.52mm. There was significantly more mineralized tissue in the Ti-DBBM and Ti-HPS groups than in the control group at both time points. Newly formed bone (NB) was well-integrated with the DBBM and HA/PLGA scaffolds. The framework of the 3DP-HA/PLGA scaffold remained in place, and NB-implant contact (NBIC) was advanced to the middle level in the Ti-HPS group until 8 weeks, whereas dispersion of DBBM with a lower level NBIC was noted in the Ti-DBBM group at both time points. The 3DP HA/PLGA scaffold maintains supracrestal space and demonstrates osteoconductivity to facilitate SRA.

Healing of fatigue crack in steel with the application of pulsed electric current

This study aims to the fatigue crack healing in a steel specimen by the application of pulsed electric current. The initial crack in the specimen is introduced by means of notch fatigue test. Electron backscatter diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to observe and quantify the change in microstructure before and after the electro-pulsing treatment. The study indicates that with suitable electro-pulsing parameters, a complete crack healing could be achieved. The region reasonably far away from the crack shows no impact of electro-pulsing on microstructure. The possible reasons behind fatigue crack healing could be Joule heating, thermal compressive stress, and micro-welding.

Electrocautery Induced Damage of Total Knee Implants

BackgroundPitting damage on implants has been reported and attributed to the use of electrocautery. This study aimed to determine how different total knee arthroplasty bearing surfaces are susceptible to this type of damage and whether surgeons are aware that this damage can occur. MethodsA survey was sent to Hip and Knee Society members to determine what percentage of adult reconstructive surgeons use electrocautery after implantation of components. Three bearing surfaces for total knee arthroplasty were selected: cobalt chromium, Oxinium, and zirconium nitride to be damaged by electrocautery with a monopolar (MP) and bipolar (BP) electrocautery with 3 different energy settings. A comparison of surface damage using scanning electron microscopy and elemental differences using energy dispersion spectroscopy was performed. Average roughness (Ra), maximal peak-to-valley height (Rz), kurtosis (Rk), and skewness (Rsk) were recorded for comparison using a profilometer was performed. ResultsMedian Rz and Ra measurements were larger for BP damaged areas compared to MP for all bearing surfaces. The Oxinium surface had the greatest increase in roughness parameters. Survey results indicate that a significant percentage of adult reconstructive surgeons use the electrocautery after implants are in place and are not aware of this type of damage. Backscatter scanning electron microscopy analysis found significant changes for BP damage compared to MP. ConclusionSurface damage caused by electrocautery can have significant effects on the bearing surfaces of implants but further study needs to be performed to determine if this is a clinical issue. Our survey determined that many arthroplasty experts are unaware that this damage can occur.

Iron phosphate in the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of South China: A previously undocumented marine phosphate sink

Ediacaran phosphorites capture the dynamics of the ultimate biolimiting nutrient, phosphorus, during perhaps the most critical transition of Earth's climatic and ecological history. Concomitant with the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event was the deposition of the first extensive phosphorites across marine shelves, typically interpreted as a basinward shift in the locus of phosphogenesis facilitated by deep-ocean oxygenation. Petrographic and spectroscopic analyses of proximal phosphorites from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation near the Yangtze Gorges area of South China reveal the presence of interlaminated pristine, muddy, and granular phosphorites that were cemented by early diagenetic iron phosphate, an additional, previously undocumented seafloor P sink. Transmitted- and reflected-light microscopy, cathodoluminescence microscopy, and back-scattered electron scanning electron microscopy were used to reconstruct the paragenesis of phosphorites at the Wanjiagou section near Zhangcunping (Hubei Province) and demonstrate that pristine phosphorite precipitated authigenically as francolite via microbially-mediated phosphogenesis as evidenced by preserved microbial laminations along with filamentous and coccoidal microfossils. Subsequent tidal reworking of pristine hardgrounds and phosphatic mudstones produced minimally-coated intraclasts and peloidal phosphatic grains that were cemented by iron phosphate soon after deposition but before compaction. Raman spectroscopy, bulk-sample and micro-X-ray diffractometry indicate the iron phosphate cement is composed of phosphosiderite/strengite (Fe+3PO4•2H2O). The presence of phosphosiderite can be attributed to either syndepositional oxidation of phosphorites or thermal stabilization of vivianite (Fe2+3(PO4)2•8H2O). In both cases, the occurrence of phosphosiderite represents the first direct evidence for iron phosphate minerals as a P sink during the Ediacaran and suggests phosphogenesis may have partially proceeded in ferruginous porewaters in contrast to the redox-independent process of francolite precipitation. Integration of petrographic and geochemical techniques, such as those employed in this study, offers the ability to corroborate P speciation analyses and provides an independent determination of P phase partitioning. Ultimately, this approach is paramount in testing hypotheses that suggest ferrous iron phosphate minerals played a regulatory role in global Proterozoic oxygenation.

Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy Approach for Assessment of Microvessels under Conditions of Normal Microanatomy and Pathological Neovascularization.

We evaluated the efficiency of an original method for studying of the microvascular bed under conditions of normal microanatomy and pathological neovascularization. The blood vessels, tissues surrounding the stent in the pulmonary artery and subcutaneously implanted titanium nickelide plate, atherosclerotic plaque, and vascular stent with restenosis were examined. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained in OsO4, embedded into fresh epoxy resin, grinded, polished, and counterstained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Numerous vasa vasorum were found in all native vessels. Around the pulmonary artery stent and metal plates, numerous newly formed vessels of small diameter were seen. The intensity of neovascularization in atherosclerosis and carotid stent restenosis differed significantly. Our technique can be successfully used for evaluation of the microvascular bed.

Osseointegration around dental implants biofunctionalized with TGFβ-1 inhibitor peptides: an in vivo study in beagle dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofunctionalization with two TGF-β1 inhibitor peptides, P17 and P144, on osseointegration of CP-Ti dental implants. A total of 36 implants (VEGA, Klockner®) with 3.5 × 8 mm internal connection were used in this study, divided in three groups: (1) control group (n = 12), (2) implants which surfaces were biofunctionalized with P17 peptide inhibitor (n = 12), (3) implants with surfaces biofunctionalized by P144 peptide (n = 12). Three implants, one from each group, were inserted in both hemimandibles of 6 beagle dogs, 2 months after tooth extraction. Two animals were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks post implant insertion, respectively. The samples were analyzed by Backscattering Scanning Electron Microscopy (BS-SEM) and histological analysis. Histomorphometric analysis of bone to implant contact (BIC), peri-implant bone fraction (BF) and interthread bone (IB) were carried out. Bone formation around implants measured by quantitative analysis, BS-SEM, was significantly higher in the P17-biofunctionalized implants, 4 and 8 weeks after the implantation. Histomorphometric analysis of BIC, BF and IB showed higher values in the P17-biofunctionalized group at initial stages of healing (2 weeks) and early osseointegration both at 4 and 8 weeks. For P144 biofunctionalized implants, the histomorphometric values obtained are also higher than control group. Accordingly, better results in the experimental groups were proven both by the quantitative and the qualitative analysis. Surface biofunctionalization with TGF-β1 inhibitor peptides, P17 and P144, resulted in better quantitative and qualitative parameters relative to implant osseointegration.

Comparison between different image acquisition methods for grain-size analysis and quantification of ceramic inclusions by digital image processing: how much similar are the results?

This paper focuses on the statistical comparison between the abundance and grain-size distribution of inclusions in pottery, determined by digital image process on images acquired using different methods (crossed-polarized light optical microscopy, back-scattered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microchemical mapping also under SEM). The results clearly indicate that the acquisition method deeply affects the absolute quantification, resulting in highly underestimated values for crossed-polarized light images with respect to those obtained from the microchemical mapping. Besides absolute quantification, the grain-size distribution shows some small differences among acquisition methods both in mean and variance values although frequency distributions and cumulative curves of inclusions show some similarities regardless of the acquisition method. Differences in terms of abundance and grain-size distribution of inclusions on the same sample are here analyzed and related to the limitations of each acquisition method.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multicomponent Metal Ti(C,N)-Based Cermets

Ti(C,N)-based cermets with multicomponent ingredients were prepared using vacuum sintering technology. The effect of molding agents, binder phase and sintering temperature on Ti(C,N)-based cermets were studied. The optimum molding performance was obtained by adding 2% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-1788). The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were investigated. The Ti(C,N)-based cermet with a weight percentage of TiC:TiN:Ni:Co:Mo:WC:Cr3C2:C = 40:10:20:10:7:8:4:1 and sintered at 1450 °C had the optimal mechanical properties. The relative bending strength, Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and wear resistance were 2010 MPa, 15.01 GPa, 483.57 GPa and 27 mg, respectively. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD), backscatter scanning electron microscopy pictures (SEM–BSE), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and optical micrographs of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were characterized.