Processing and analysis of FeNbC cermets

Cermets, especially hard metals are materials of wide application in tools due to its excellent properties like hardness and toughness. The aim of this work is to analyze cermets composed mainly of Fe, NbC, and different Al contents, materials under development supplied by CBMM (Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração), in its characteristics and processing. The synthesis for obtaining of starting materials adds elements such as Fe, Al, Si, and Ti to the Nb ores to produces niobium carbides in situ, which is believed to result in a greater bond between the carbide and metal matrix. These raw materials were fully characterized. Thermal analysis was made to the planning of the process, and consolidations were made by conventional powder metallurgy, (Pressing and Sintering - PS), and by Field Assisted Hot Pressing (FAHP). The results showed that these materials are promising for application in tools that require high hardness, as in forming tools, which generally are produced with hard metals. The cermet FeNbC5Al processed showed high densification and hardness of approximately 830 HV10. However, these cermets could have even better properties with the elimination of the present intermetallic phase in the matrix, increasing the carbide content and decreasing its particle size.