Structure and properties of the precipitation-hardening Ti–Nb–C material with a binder

The influence of a metallic nickel-based binder on the structure and properties of the (Ti, Nb)C ceramic material is investigated. The samples are fabricated according to the SHS forced compaction technology with subsequent thermal treatment in a vacuum furnace at 850°C for 1 h. The composition and structure of fabricated samples were investigated by XRD, SEM, and EDS. Supersaturated solid solutions based on (Ti, Nb)C carbide decompose after annealing with the formation of nanodimensional NbCo2, Ni3NbAl, and Ni2NbAl phases. The β-(Ti, Nb) solid solution is a dispersed phase at a low binder content (5%) and the (Cr, Al) solid solution is a dispersed phase at a binder content of 20%. Properties of fabricated materials such as density, porosity, hardness, strength, and heat resistance are determined. The precipitation-hardening material of the Ti–Nb–C system with binder contents of 20 and 30% is recommended for the application as the constructive and functional ceramics.