Study on the phase evolution, microstructure and densification behavior of (Ti,M)(C,N)-based cermets

(Ti,M)(C,N)-Based Cermets were synthesized from (Ti,M)(C,N)-Ni-Co composite powders by vacuum sintering. The material phase evolution, microstructure and densification behavior were investigated under different sintering temperature from 800 degrees C to 1400 degrees C. Results showed that deoxidation occurred and solid phase diffusion observed below 1200 degrees C. The solid phase liquidization appeared from 1200 degrees C to 1350 degrees C, resulting in decrease of pores in the material. Above 1350 degrees C, the liquid phase fully melted to fill the pores of material, and the cermets approach densification lead to the maximum value of its transverse rupture strength and hardness. (Ti,M)(C,N)based cermets prepared by vacuum sintering have a hard phase of weak core/rim structure.