Influence of preparation process on sintering behavior and mechanical properties of ultrafine grained Ti(C, N)-based cermets

The influences of forming and sintering processes on distortion, cracking as well as mechanical properties of sintered bodies of ultrafine grained Ti(C, N)-based cermets were investigated. The results show that lubricant is indispensable to fabrication-of ultrafine Ti(C, N)-based cermets, however, with low binder content in powder mixture, the lubrication action of paraffin is attenuated. A appropriate level of 2% (mass fraction) paraffin is determined for a cermet with binder content of 36% (mass fraction). It is also found that the influence of compaction pressure on distortion and cracking of sintered bodies presents a complex relationship. A relatively lower or higher compaction pressure, less than 100 MPa and more than 400 MPa respectively, favors uniform density distribution in green compact. The heating rate of sintering should be strictly controlled. Too fast heating rate results in enclosed pores to burst and forms large size pores in sintering body. A heating rate of 3 °C/min is recommended.