Sliding Wear Behavior of TaC-Containing Ti(CN)-WC-Ni/Co Cermets

Four compositions of TiCN‐WC‐Ni/Co cermets with or without TaC were prepared by pressureless sintering of respective powders, and unlubricated sliding wear behavior against bearing grade steel ball was studied at 5, 10, or 20 N load. Maximum hardness and fracture toughness were obtained for Ti(CN)‐5WC‐10Ni‐10Co‐5TaC (in wt%) cermet. With change in the cermet composition and sliding load, coefficient of friction varied from 0.3 to 1.0 and wear rate varied from 3 × 10−7 to 7 × 10−7 mm3/Nm. The increased material transfer and formation of iron oxide‐rich tribochemical layer were responsible for the reduction in friction and wear for Ti(CN)‐5WC‐10Ni‐10Co‐5TaC cermet.