Cermets with Fe-alloy binder: A review

Raw materials supply and price, environmental safety as well as healthcare concerns have directed efforts towards development of W- and Co-free ceramic-metal composites (cermets) bonded with Fe-base alloys (steels). The aim of this review is to present a cross-section of experimental research results and views obtained in the field of ceramic-phase rich (≥ 50 vol%) cermets over the last two decades. The review is mainly concerned with composition, production technology and properties (mechanical, tribological, corrosion) of such ceramic-based composites. According to the literature, under the conditions of proper chemical composition and production technology, cermets with Fe-alloy binder may demonstrate high level of properties comparable and in specific application conditions superior to characteristics observed in WC-Co hardmetals and Ni-alloys bonded cermets. To realize the full potential of cermets with ferrous alloy binders it is required, first of all, to overcome various difficulties encountered in the production of full density, structurally designed (homogeneous, functionally graded, fine-grained etc.) cermet grades for a wide range of application conditions. •Growing demand for safe and green (in health and environmental aspects) solutions in cermets industry.•TiC-base materials as alternative for classical WC-base hardmetals.•Giving an overview of latest research in the field of TiC-base cermets with „green“ Fe-based binders.