Densification kinetics and sintering behaviour of a Ti(C0.7N0.3)-WC-Mo2C–NbC-(Co,Ni) compact

In order to understand the densification kinetics of a Ti(C0.7N0.3)-WC-Mo2C–NbC-(Co, Ni) compact, the linear shrinkages were measured using a horizontal dilatometer at different heating rates (2, 4, and 6 °C/min) in an argon atmosphere. Densification is more efficient when it is sintered at a lower heating rate. A master sintering curve was constructed over a range from the relative density of approximately 0.658–0.816; the corresponding sintering activation energy was 630 kJ/mol. With the aid of an Arrhenius curve, the sintering behaviour of cermet was analysed at different temperatures. The sintering process changed from solid-phase to liquid-phase sintering at approximately 1385 °C. The sintering activation energy turned negative when the temperature exceeded 1385 °C at a heating rate of 2 °C/min due to the formation of a liquid phase, and the exothermic process of dissolution-precipitation. •Compact densification is more efficient when sintering at lower heating rates.•A master sintering curve can be constructed for a combination of powders.•Arrhenius curve shows that the sintering of cermets is a complex process.•Sintering process changes from solid-to liquid-phase at ∼1385 °C.•Activation energy drops above 1385 °C due to liquid phase/dissolution-precipitation.