Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of (Ti0.88W0.12)C and (Ti0.88W0.12) (C0.7N0.3)-20Ni upon Mo addition

The addition of ternary carbides, such as molybdenum carbide, to (Ti,W)C or (Ti,W) (CN)Ni solid-solution carbide cermets could aid grain refinement and enhance their mechanical properties. This work examines the effects of adding Mo2C to (Ti,W)C and (Ti,W) (CN)Ni cermets. The resulting (Ti,Mo)C-which was formed by W atoms moving out from the (Ti0.88W0.12)C grains to the Ni binder-was thermodynamically more stable than (Ti,W)C. Although the addition of molybdenum carbide was ineffective as a grain growth inhibitor, the mechanical properties of the cermets were improved due to better wettability and higher thermodynamic stability.