Effect of nano-additives on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C, N)-TiB2-WC composite ceramic cutting tool materials

Ti(C,N)-TiB2-WC composite ceramic cutting tool materials with nano-scale additives Ni and Mo, and micro-scale additives Ni and Mo as sintering aids were sintered respectively at a temperature of 1550 degrees C for holding time of 1 hour in vacuum by a hot-press technique. The effects of nano-scale additives Ni and Mo, and micro-scale additives Ni and Mo on microstructure and mechanical properties of composites were compared and investigated. It is concluded that the wettability of nano-scale Ni and Mo to the composites is better than that of micro-scale Ni and Mo. The nano-scale whiskers were found in the composite ceramic tool materials with nano-scale additives. The addition of nano-scale Ni and Mo instead of micro-scale Ni and Mo could make the flexural strength and fracture toughness of Ti(C, N)-TiB2 WC composites have a promotion, but could not make the hardness of the composites increase in this study.