Mechanism of grain growth control in Ti(C, N)-based cermet during sintering

A typical Ti(C, N)-based cermet and another cerruct with grain growth inhibitor Cr,C, were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), energy dispersive X ray analysis (EDX). The two cermets have a "core-rim" structure. The structure is formed by dissolution of small ceramic grains and precipitation of (Ti. Mo. W) (C, N) around the remaining TiC core. Most of chromium element congregated in the rim phase when Cr,,G, was added. During liquid phase sintering solved in binder phase and congregated around the hard grains, which reduced the solubility of TiC ill liquid phase and consequently restrained the dissolution and reprecipitation, the grains were restrained front growing up during sintering.