Effects of NiTi additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets

•TiCN-based cermets with NiTi particles were fabricated.•Enhanced cermet mechanical properties were achieved.•Detailed strengthening and toughening mechanisms were studied.

X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe and investigate the microstructure and fracture morphology of Ti(C,N)-based cermets added with NiTi alloy powder. A new ceramic phase is found with the structure of gray core, black inner rim, noncontinuous white inner rim and continuous gray outer rim. The fracture toughness and the transverse rupture strength have a distinct trend to increase with the increase of NiTi powder content in Ti(C,N)-based cermets, while the hardness has the opposite trend. Grain refinement and the increase of metallic phase are the dominant strengthening and toughening mechanisms. Additionally, the crack deflection and bridging may play an active role in improving the properties, as well as the special structure of large metallic binder containing many small ceramic particles. In cermets with a higher content of NiTi powder, the microcrack and the crack closure effect induced by martensitic transformation are advantageous to the mechanical properties.