The surface microstructure of TiC-(Ti,W)C-WC-Ni cermets sintered in a nitrogen atmosphere

▶ The binder enrichment layer with the cubic carbide was observed at the surface. ▶ With an increase in the nitrogen pressure, the depth of Ni-enriched layer increased. ▶ In the nano-sized TiC system, the depth of the layer and size of the cubic phase were decreased together. ▶ As the (Ti0.93W0.07)C content increases, the influence of nitrogen on the surface microstructure and concentration profile becomes less significant in all systems.