Wear Performance of TiC-Base Cermets

Abstract

Some carbide composites – WC hardmetals and TiC-base cermets with Ni-alloy and Fe-alloy binders – were investigated in different wear conditions. For the simulation of the adhesion wear conditions during blanking of sheet steel, the original method was used. The results of these tests were compared with the results obtained from sliding wear and abrasive wear. Relations between wear performance, microstructure and mechanical characteristics were found. It was shown that the surface failure of carbide composite during adhesion starts preferably in the binder phase. This is a combined process of microcutting, extraction and extrusion and depends on the amount of carbide phase and its composition. Cermets on basis of TiC bonded with Fe- alloy (steel) binder showed superiority over TiC base composites bonded with Ni alloy in all wear conditions.