Preparation of (Ti,Ta)–(C,N) by mechanical alloying

Ti(C,N) and Ta powders were mechanically alloyed to synthesize the (Ti,Ta)-carbonitride solid solution. As a result of milling, nanocrystalline Ti(C,N) was obtained. Mechanical alloying greatly improves the sinterability of the Ti(C,N)–Ta powders, and full densification was obtainable in solid state at 1500 °C by FAST/ SPS technique. Cermets produced of the mechanically alloyed powders showed a fine microstructure and possessed superior mechanical properties, as compared to conventional ball milled sintered cermets.

► (Ti,Ta)(C,N) solid solution phase was synthesized by mechanically alloying Ti(C,N) and Ta powders.
► Nanocrystalline powders were obtained.
► Improved sinterability was observed and full densification was obtained in solid state.
► Cermets produced of the mechanically alloyed powders possessed superior mechanical properties.