Phase evolution, microstructure characteristics and properties of Cr3C2-Ni cermets prepared by reactive sintering

Cr3C2-Ni cermets are perspective materials to operate in aggressive and abrasive environment. Recently a novel method - reactive sintering of chromium carbide based cermets - was invented. Elemental powders of chromium, nickel and carbon black were milled in a high-energy ball mill (attritor) to nanocrystalline size and pressed to compacts. The thermal treatment (sintering) caused at first the formation of chromium carbide grains in situ and following liquid phase sintering of alloy in one cycle. Since the reactive sintering has not been used for the production of Cr3C2-Ni cermets before, the influence of chromium to carbon ratio and the influence of different alloying elements on the microstructure and properties of the chromium carbide based cermets was investigated. It is shown that mechanical properties and abrasive erosion wear resistance depend on the chromium to carbon ratio, alloying additives and sintering method.