Effect of carbon content on the microstructure and properties of (Ti0.7W0.3)C-Ni cermet

► There was little carbon loss between the solid solution powder and the cermet after sintering. This result is ascribed to the reduction in the carbon stoichiometry of the powder. ► The compositions of the carbides in the powder were not fully stabilized until they had been sintered (i.e., longer exposure to a high temperature than powder). This is due to the different formation kinetics and thermodynamic tendencies of WC and TiC in powder synthesis. ► Excess carbon has an effect of decrease of grain size of (Ti,W)C.