Effect of sintering time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of (Ti,Ta)(C,N)-based cermets

► Effect of sintering time was studied in (Ti,Ta)(C,N) complete solid-solution cermets. ► Best mechanical properties and microstructure were reached at 60 min sintering time. ► Low toughness was observed due to the presence of a brittle intermetallic phase. ► Binderless carbonitride clusters, pores and coarse grains induced cermet fractures. ► Fracture micromechanisms observed: dimple ductile and transgranular cleavage.