Titanium diboride-based composite articles with improved fracture toughness

摘要

Composite articles, cutting tools and wear parts are prepared by densification of a mixture comprising whiskers, fibers, or particles of hard refractory transition metal carbides, nitrides or carbonitrides uniformly distributed in a titanium diboride matrix. Optionally, other dispersoids may also be incorporated. The preferred composite article or cutting tool has a fracture toughness equal to or greater than about 2.5 MN·m.sup.1/2. Methods of preparation and use are also disclosed.