Developments in cermet design, technology and performance

This paper reviews developments in the research of cermets, related technologies and their mechanical and tribological (erosion abrasive wear resistance) characterisation. The aim is to enhance the performance and reliability of cermets and widen their application areas. Cermet technologies (ceramic-metal composites), such as TiC-based bonded with Ni- and Fe-alloys and Cr3C2-based bonded with Ni-alloys, are analysed. Focus is on the influence of different sintering modes: vacuum sintering, sinter/HIP and sinter + HIP (in different cycle) on the performance and reliability of TiC- and Cr3C2-based cermets. The structure, mechanical characteristics (hardness, transverse rupture strength) and wear resistance (erosive and abrasive wear) of the developed cermets are characterised.