Effect of VC addition on the microstructure and properties of Ti（C,N）-based nano cermets

In this paper, Ti（C,N）-based nano cermets were prepared by nano particles, and the effect of VC addition on the micmstructure and properties of Ti（C,N）-based nano cermets was investigated. The results showed that there existed black-core grayish-rim strucmre as well as gray-core grayish-rim structure in VC-doped Ti（C,N）-based nano cermets. With the increase of VC addition, the number of gray cores in- creased, the lattice parameter of Ti（C,N） phase increased, the grain size decreased, the hardness and fracture toughness of Ti（C,N）-based nano cermets were enhanced, and nearly full densification could be achieved. However, excessive addition of VC to 1 wt% resulted in slight decrease in hardness and fracture toughness. Some deep dimples were found in the fracture surface of cermets with VC addition, which corresponded to ductile fracture.