Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-based solid-solution cermets

The microstructure and mechanical properties of various (Ti1−xWx)C–20 wt.%Ni cermets were investigated, where x varies from 0.07 to 0.3. Homogeneous solid-solution (Ti1−xWx)C powders were prepared by carbothermal reduction via planetary milling of Ti, TiO2, WO3 and carbon powder mixtures. The cermets made of the powders showed a simple core–rim structure consisting of solid-solution carbides. The hardness of the solid-solution cermets is somewhat lower than that of conventional cermets, but they show greater toughness. The transverse rupture strength increases with increasing W content.