Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Scale Al₂O₃ Toughened Ti (C,N) Matrix Cermet Tool Materials

Advanced Ti(C, N) matrix cermet tool materials with higher mechanical properties are successfully developed by dispersing nano-scale Al2O3 powder into the micro-scale Ti(C, N) matrix and Ni-Mo bonding phases powder. The effect of the content of nano-scale alumina on the microstructure and mechanical properties of micro-scale Ti(C, N) matrix cermet tool materials are investigated. The research results show that a type of Ti(C, N) matrix cermet tool material has the most optimal flexural strength of 900MPa, Vickers hardness of 17.4GPa and fracture toughness of 9.95MPa.m1/2 when the content of nano-scale alumina is 12% in term of mass. It is found from the microstructure analysis that the main reason of the mechanical properties improvement is the grain fining effect caused by nano-scale Al2O3.