The forming mechanism and effect of nano-grains on properties of Ti(C, N)-based cermets

The forming mechanism of nano-grains in sintering is investigated and their effects on flexural strength and microstructures of Ti(C, N)-based cermets are studied in this paper. The results show that the addition of WC combined with rapid cooling through liquid phase temperature will promote formation of (Ni, Ti}(Mo, W)3C3 Nano grains, with the nucleus of the nano-grains being the precipitate of (Mo, Ti)C, leading to Ti(C, N)-based cermets with fine grains. Flexural strength of Ti(C, N)-based cermets increases with the volume percent of Nano-grains.