Synergistic effect of Nb and Mo on the microstructural formation of the Ti(C,N)-high chromium ferrous-based cermets

In this study, Ti(C,N)-Fe-based green cermets with different metallic alloying elements have been consolidated by pressureless liquid-phase sintering. The addition of different metallic binders on Ti(C,N)-based cermet such as Nb and Mo on high chromium Ferrous based binder has been investigated. Detailed analysis of the phase constitution was conducted using thermodynamic calculations and experiments, as well as a systematic study of the microstructure evolution and room temperature mechanical properties including hardness and fracture toughness was conducted. The Nb and Mo addition to the binder system affects the sintering temperatures and can significantly affect the phase formation and microstructural development. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique were used to examine the microstructure, composition, and fracture surface of cermets. The addition of the Mo, and Nb reveals lower porosity and finer microstructure as compared to the reference material (Ti(C,N)-Fe-Cr). The refinement of microstructure improves mechanical properties such as hardness and fracture toughness of Ti(C,N)-Fe-Cr-Mo-Nb-based cermets. Further, the addition of these binder elements may reduce the formation of Fe-Cr-based intermetallic complex carbides, allowing cermets to perform better in terms of toughness and corrosion resistance . As a result of the experiments, it is evident that Nb and Mo dissolve in Ti(C,N) and form solid solutions during sintering. The increased number of coreless grains, spinodal decomposition, and crack deflection in cermet further enhance the fracture toughness.