Influence of processing conditions on the carbide/matrix interface in sintered composite layers

Results show that the carbide/matrix bonding and the single abrasion behaviour were dependent on the gradient of the micro-mechanical properties. Increasing processing temperature or time increased the hardness gradient and consequently decreased the bonding between carbide and matrix. Additions of chromium and iron in the matrix powder caused an improvement of the bonding and the abrasion behaviour under 2-body-condition of the MMC samples.