Influence of Ni/Co binders and Mo2C on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of (Ti0.93W0.07)C-based cermets

In this research, solid-solution powder of (Ti0.93W0.07)C was synthesized by high-energy ball mill method followed by carbothermal reduction process. Subsequently, the acquired powder was blended with Ni/Co and Mo2C secondary carbide, and sintered under the optimized temperature (1510 °C) for 1 h to produce the modulated cermets. A typical core-rim structure formation with solid-solution phases was confirmed by backscattered electrons studies using a Field Emission electron scanning microscope. The hardness of the synthesized cermets was enhanced by increasing the specific amount of Mo2C. The acquired results demonstrate that the binder type has a prominent influence on the microstructure and hardness of the prepared cermets. The hardness of (Ti0.93W0.07)C-xMo2C-Ni cermet increased ~ 9%, when nickel was partially substituted by cobalt.