Preparation and properties of ultra-fine TiCN matrix cermets by vacuum microwave sintering

Ultra-fine titanium carbonitride (TiCN) matrix materials with a grain size less than 1 mu m were successfully prepared by vacuum microwave sintering. The milling process for raw TiCN particles and the microstructure and properties of cermets produced with a composition of 15wt.%WC-17wt.%(Co+Ni)-9wt.%Mo2C-59wt.%Ti0.7N0.3 and sintered by vacuum microwave were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that a ball-to-powder mass ratio of 8:1 and a milling time of 50 h provided appropriate conditions for the production of ultra-fine TiCN solid solution powders. The use of vacuum microwave sintering produced cermets with much finer grain and black core structures and higher relative density and hardness than those produced by vacuum sintering technology.