Microstructure and fracture toughness of TiC–ZrC–WC–Mo–Ni cermets

TiC-based cermets have advantages such as lower friction coefficient and higher oxidation resistance compared with WC-based cemented carbides. However, the brittleness is still an unavoidable limitation for their utilizations. Microstructure of TiC–xZrC–15WC–14Mo–20Ni–1C cermets with different ZrC contents was studied by using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The experimental results show that ZrC dissolved in the cermets and formed solid solutions of (Zr, Ti, Mo, W)C. The bright and gray coreless grains have been regarded as beneficial for the toughness of the cermets.