Formation of self-lubricant surface layer on the Ti(C, N)-based cermets

In the present work, Ti(C, N)-based cermets with self-lubricant surface layer were prepared via vacuum liquid sintering and subsequent solid-phase carburization. A surface layer enriched in graphite phase, but deficient in Ni binder phase was achieved by solid-phase carburization at 1440 °C for 40 mins. The thickness of the surface layer was approximate 1400 μm. The tribological properties of cermets was enhanced obviously due to the self-lubricant surface layer without deterioration of the transverse rupture strength.