Phase evolution in ultra-fine TiC0.7N0.3-based cermet during sintering

Ultra-fine TiC0.7N0.3-based cermet is prepared and the phase evolution and microstructure are studied by XRD and SEM. The results show that in ultra-fine cermet, solid state reactions take place more readily than in common cermets at 900 °C; liquid phase forms at about 1230 °C in ultra-fine cermets, which is at a lower temperature than what has been reported; denitridation occurs during sintering of both cermets in vacuum, and they had better be sintered in N2 to preserve the C/N atomic ratio of TiC0.7N0.3.