Microstructural Aspects of Ceramic-Metal Composites Performance in Erosive Media

Solid particle erosion tests were conducted on WC-, TiC-, and Cr3C2 - based ceramicmetal composites (cermets) to study their performance in erosive media. The overall objectives of this study are: (i) to improve our current understanding with regards to the influence of intrinsic properties on wear behavior of cermets, (ii) to estimate an influence of metallurgical features during cermets fabrication on resistance to fracture; (iii) to consider micromechanical aspects of cermets durability; and (iiii) to offer the criteria of material reliability in different erosive conditions. For this reasons, microstructure of multiphase materials, fracture mechanisms, ability of energy dissipation and thermo-mechanical parameters and erosion resistance were analyzed.