Effects of molybdenum on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with low Ni

The effects of Mo on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with low Ni have been studied systematically. Different contents of Mo (4-12 wt.%) were added into Ti(C,N)-based cermets. Specimens were fabricated by conventional powder metallurgy and vacuum sintered at temperatures of 1440, 1450, and 1460°C individually. The microstructure and fracture morphology were investigated by scanning electron microscope, and the mechanical properties such as transverse strength and hardness were measured. The results show that the microstructure is uniform and the thickness of rim phase is moderate when the content of Mo is 8 wt.%; the mechanical properties of the specimens sintered at 1450°C are better than those sintered at 1440 and 1460°C. The integrated properties of transverse strength and hardness are the best when the content of Mo is 8 wt.% and the sintering temperature is 1450°C.