Addition of h-BN for enhanced machinability and high mechanical strength of AlN/Mo composites

Ceramic/metal composites, as high-temperature structural materials, have limited applications because of their poor machinability. AlN/Mo/Mo2B machinable composites were fabricated by adding h-BN to AlN/Mo composites by plasma-activated sintering at various temperatures and at an axial pressure of 30 MPa under argon atmosphere. The sample sintered at 1500 degrees C exhibited excellent machinability for cemented carbide tools, with a bending strength of approximately 500 MPa and a Vickers hardness value of 9.34 GPa. The effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and machinability were investigated, and the reactions introduced by adding h-BN were studied. These reactions reinforced the composite and newly introduced a Mo2B phase, which showed better ability to deflect cracks and prevent them from moving deep inside the composite, thus improving its machinability. This research provides a possible solution for improving the machinability of ceramic/metal composites without sacrificing the strength.