Development of multicomponent–multiphase materials based on (Ti,Ta,Nb)CxN1−x carbonitride solid solutions

A set of powdered cermets based on (Ti,Ta,Nb)CxN1−x carbonitride solid solutions were synthesized from mixtures of elemental powders by a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR) method and subsequently sintered using a pressureless method. Differing nominal compositions of the hard phase were used, and the nature of the metallic-binder phase (Co, Ni, or Co–Ni) was varied. For comparative purposes, the design of the material was performed using two different synthesis pathways. The composition and microstructure of the ceramic and binder phases before and after sintering were analyzed and related to the microhardness of the material, which was found to increase with increasing contiguity of the hard phase and with decreasing particle size.The samples synthesized in one step (SERIES 2) showed higher microhardness and a more homogeneous microstructure with smaller particle size of the hard phase due to the presence of Ti, Ta, and Nb in the molten binder that hindered ceramic growth during liquid phase sintering.

► Powdered cermets based on (Ti,Ta,Nb) (C,N) have been synthesized by reactive milling.
► Ceramic composition was tailored by the initial Ti/Ta/Nb atomic ratio.
► Powdered cermets were highly densified by a pressureless high temperature procedure.
► Cermets microstructure was highly dependent of the synthesis procedure.