Effect of Ni content on the compression properties and abrasive wear behavior of the (TiB2–TiCxNy)/Ni composites

The (TiB2–TiCxNy)/Ni composites were fabricated by the method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in a Ni–Ti–B4C–BN system. The effect of Ni content on the microstructure, hardness, compression properties and abrasive wear behavior of the composites has been investigated. The results indicate that with the increase in Ni content from 30wt.% to 60wt.%, the average size of the ceramic particles TiB2 and TiCxNy decreases from 5μm to ≤1μm, while the hardness and the abrasive wear resistance of the composites decrease. The composite with the Ni content of 30wt.% Ni possesses the highest hardness (1560.8 Hv) and the best abrasive wear resistance. On another hand, with the increase in the Ni content, the compression strength increases firstly, and then decreases. The composite with 50wt.% Ni possesses the highest compression strength (3.3GPa). The hardness and fracture strain of the composite with 50wt.% Ni are 1251.2 Hv and 3.9%, respectively. ► The (TiB2–TiCxNy)/Ni composites were fabricated in a Ni–Ti–B4C–BN system. ► The sample with 30wt.% Ni holds the best abrasive wear resistance in this work. ► The composite with 50wt.% Ni possesses the highest compression strength (3.3GPa).