Nanocomposites Based on Refractory Compounds, Consolidated by Rate-Controlled and Spark-Plasma Sintering (Review)

Rate-controlled sintering and spark plasma sintering are considered the most promising methods to produce dense nanoctructured ceramics. Refractory compounds are used to demonstrate the application of methods for controlling the densification rate and nonlinear heating and loading conditions to produce dense nanocomposites with 30–70 nm grains. The mechanical and tribological properties of ceramics with grains from 50 to 500 nm in size are compared. The effect of increase in the mechanical (5–15%) and tribological (to 50%) characteristics of nanocomposites consolidated by rate-controlled sintering and modified nonlinear spark plasma sintering is studied. Nanocomposites based on refractory nitrides and borides are regarded as promising materials for creating a new generation of cutting tools, as well as wear-resistant ceramics for wide application.