Al2O3/(W,Ti)C/CaF2 multi-component graded self-lubricating ceramic cutting tool material

•A multi-component gradient distribution model was proposed.•A multi-component graded self-lubricating ceramic tool material was developed.•The tool material has higher mechanical property and cutting performance.

Since the existed compositional distribution functions are not applicable to the design of functionally graded materials consisting of more than two main components, a multi-component gradient distribution model was proposed during the design process. An advanced Al2O3/(W,Ti)C/CaF2 multi-component graded self-lubricating ceramic cutting tool material was subsequently developed. The flexural strength, hardness, and fracture toughness of the as-developed material were increased by about 25%, 19%, and 6%, respectively, as compared with the corresponding homogeneous material. The cutting tests show that the Al2O3/(W,Ti)C/CaF2 multi-component graded self-lubricating ceramic cutting tool has better wear resistance than the homogeneous cutting tool.