Effect of SiCP content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-based cermets

Iron-based (Fe-based) cermets with silicon carbide particles (SiC P ) as abrasive were prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering. The influence of SiC P content on the microstructure and grinding performance of Fe-based cermets was studied. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and grinding performance of the prepared cermets were tested and analyzed to explore the grinding mechanism of Fe-SiC cermets. It was shown that the grinding mechanism changed due to the reduction of SiC P content. And the grinding behavior was related to the bonding force between SiC P and matrix. Through experiments and finite element analysis, the source/distribution of grinding heat and heat flow were verified, and the mechanism of material removal was revealed. The results showed that with the decrease of SiC P content, the grinding behavior of cermet changed from cutting and plowing to friction.