Effect of VC/Cr3C2 on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

Effects of VC/Cr3C2 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were studied. The microstructure was investigated by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry as well as scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive spectrometry. Mechanical properties, such as transverse rupture strength, hardness and fracture toughness, were measured. The results show that there are black core-grey rim structure and white core-grey rim structure in the microstructure. The grains become fine due to the VC/Cr3C2, and the grains of cermet added with 0.75VC/0.25Cr3C2 are refined most remarkably. The black core becomes finer with the increase of VC addition and rim phase becomes thicker with the decrease of Cr3C2 addition. The porosity increases with the increase of VC addition in VC/Cr3C2. Compared with the cermet free of VC/Cr3C2, the transverse rupture strength and hardness of cermets with VC/Cr3C2 are both improved, and the maximum values are both found for the cermet with 0.25VC/0.75Cr3C2. The fracture toughness can be effectively promoted by adding VC/Cr3C2 with an appropriate ratio of VC to Cr3C2, and the maximum value is found for the cermet with 0.5VC/0.5Cr3C2.