Effect of W content on the compression properties and abrasive wear behavior of the (TiB2–TiCxNy)/(Ni + W) composites

The (TiB2–TiCxNy)/(Ni + W) composites were fabricated successfully by the method of combustion synthesis and hot press consolidation in the Ni–W–Ti–B4C–BN system. The effect of the content of W on the hardness, compression properties and abrasive wear behavior of the composites was investigated. The results indicate that with increasing W content from 0 to 8 wt.%, the average sizes of the TiB2 and TiCxNy particles decrease firstly and then keep almost constant, while the hardness and the compression strength increase firstly and then change a little. The abrasive wear resistance of the composites increases firstly and then decreases with the increase in the W content.

► The (TiB2–TiCxNy)/(Ni + W) composites were fabricated in a Ni–W–Ti–B4C–BN system.
► The sample with 5 wt.% W holds the highest hardness and abrasive wear resistance.
► The sample with 5 wt.% W is 1 GPa higher than the one without the W addition.