Gradient structures in SiAION's for improved cutting performance

摘要

Typically at the present time used SiAION's for cutting purposes consist of β-type, which has a hardness of about 1500 HV and a significart toughness. The authors have made available a type of SiAION which has a relatively tough core ofα'β'-SiAION with a rim of nearly complete α'-SiAION. The hardness and microstructure have been illustrated. A true gradient in concentrations and microstructure can be observed from the inner core continuously to the outer region. It could be imagined, that an insert with such a structure together with the more tough core can be used as a cutting tool with high performance.