TiC whisker reinforced ultra-fine TiC-based cermets: Microstructure and mechanical properties

TiC whisker reinforced ultra-fine TiC-based cermets were fabricated and their microstructures as well as mechanical properties were characterized and compared with microsized and ultra-fine cermets. The effects of high energy milling and subsequent annealing on the composition and microstructure of microsized TiC powders were studied. It was shown that the particle size distribution of TiC powders played a critical role in determining cermets׳ microstructure and properties. Inverse grain (White core with grey rim) only exists in ultra-fine cermet with a narrow size distribution of annealed TiC powders. Large discrepancy of larger TiC powders (microsized particles or whiskers) and ultra-fine particles in size resulted in a bimodal grain size feature. Additionally, mechanical property testing was conducted and was related to the microstructural features. The whisker reinforced cermets own much higher toughness of 12.43 Mpa m1/2 than the microsized and ultra-fine cermets, with a hardness (Hv30, 1620) between them.