Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of Rare Earth Oxides Toughened Cermet Tool Materials

Abstract

The effect of sintering temperature on mechanical properties and microstructure of rare earth oxides toughened Ti(C,N) ceramic cutting tool materials was investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of Ti(C,N) based ceramics were greatly influenced by sintering temperature. As a result, both of the density and mechanical properties of the materials sintered at 1350 and 1400 are worse than those sintered at 1450 and 1500. Low sintering temperature results in low density and degraded mechanical properties, but too high sintering temperature results in the precipitation of bond metal and thus reduces its fracture toughness. Intergranular fracture mode of the material is mainly observed.