Microstructure and mechanical properties of WC and Ti(C0.7N0.3) modified NbC solid solution cermets

Eight NbC solution matrix cermets were prepared by liquid phase sintering of mixtures containing NbC, WC, Ti(C0.7N0.3), Mo2C, Co and Ni powders. The influence the WC Ti(C0.7N0.3) content on microstructure mechanical properties was investigated. Microstructural investigation supported thermodynamic equilibrium calculations to predict composition constituent phases as a function at 1420 °C. results indicated variation in had significant content, in-situ formed (Nb,W,Ti,Mo) (C,N) grain growth concomitant properties. with 12–32 wt% composed core-rim phase, Co–Ni alloy binder, rimless Ti(C0.57N0.43) phase. XRD analysis simulations revealed that cubic structure Ti(C,N) solid solutions depend content. exhibited Vickers hardness (HV30) ∼1500 kg/mm2 indentation toughness ∼9 MPa m1/2.