TiCN-based cermets strengthened with SiC nano-whiskers by spark plasma sintering

摘要

TiCN-based cermets with different amounts of SiC nano-whiskers were prepared by spark plasma sintering. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-prepared cermets were investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed that there were no SiC peaks detected, turning out some peaks of new carbide and silicate hard phases. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that there were more and more pores in the cermets with increasing amount of SiC whisker added, and the fracture mechanism of the cermets was mainly inter-granular fracture. With increasing addition amount of nano-SiC whisker, the hardness and flexural strength of the cermets increased first and decreased then, presenting the highest hardness (2170 HV) and flexural strength (750 MPa), respectively, when the addition content of nano-whiskers is 2.5 wt%.