Improvement in microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-Fe cermets with the carbon additions

Abstract In this study, the effects of carbon additions on the microstructure, hardness, transverse rupture strength and abrasion resistance of Ti(C,N)-Fe cermets manufactured by powder metallurgy method were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties tests. The results show that the microstructure of sintered Ti(C,N)-Fe cermets exhibits the homogeneous distribution of Ti(C,N) hard phase when 1.0 wt% carbon was added into the cermets. The transverse rupture strength of cermet can reach the peak of 2435 MPa and the fracture morphology can include a vast of transgranular fracture. Moreover, the comprehensive performance of Ti(C,N)-Fe cermets can improve significantly through the heat-treatment process. The hardness and transverse rupture strength of cermets after heat-treatment are 70.0HRC and 2483.2 MPa. The Ti(C,N)-Fe cermets have a potential application in machining.