Effect of the Ti/W Ratio on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiC-WC-(Co,Ni,Cr) Cermets

摘要

TiC-WC-(Ni,Co,Cr) cermets are potential candidates for the substitution of straight cemented carbidesfor certain wear applications. This work analyses the effect of Ti/W and Co/Ni ratios on themicrostructure and mechanical properties of this type of cermets. From a microstructural point of view,cermets in the (Ti,W)C-(Ni,Co,Cr) pseudo-binary region show uncontrolled (Ti,W)C grain growth and ahigh degree of contiguity of the carbide phase. A microstructural refinement is observed as the Ti/Wratio decreases, especially when WC precipitation occurs. Abrasion resistance in these materials isdominated by hardness. Volume losses increase significantly for cermets with hardness values below11 GPa, in spite of their higher toughness.