Effect of submicron Ti(C,N) on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

There is an increased industry demand for Ti(C,N)-based cermets with improved material properties. One of the parameters which are supposed to influence these properties is the mean particle size of the Ti(C,N) powder used. In this study the effects of a newly developed submicron Ti(C,N) powder grade on the properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets, including hardness, toughness and microstructure were investigated. The cermets showed only small differences with respect to outgassing upon sintering (investigated by MS-EGA) as well as shrinkage (dilatometry). Cermet formulations with submicron Ti(C,N) could be sintered under identical conditions as with fine Ti(C,N), yielding completely dense bodies of A00 porosity. From SEM and XRD investigations it was found that submicron Ti(C,N) powders cause accelerated diffusion and homogenisation of the microstructure leading to a substantially increased amount of outer rim phase, a higher amount of inverse grains and substantially finer and less Ti(C,N) cores. Upon using submicron Ti(C,N), hardness (HV10) is increased and in one grade the fracture toughness (Palmqvist–Shetty) is increased as well. ► Submicron and micron size Ti(C,N) powder in Ti(C,N)-based cermets. ► Investigation of sintering, microstructure, phases and mechanical properties. ► Identical sintering behaviours with submicron and micron size Ti(C,N). ► Increased amount of outer rim phase with finer and lesser Ti(C,N) cores. ► Harder and sometimes tougher cermets by using submicron Ti(C,N)