Evaluation Of Binder And Secondary Carbides For Cermet Design And Processing

This work investigates the thermodynamic design and experimental validation of Ti(C,N)-based cermets, focusing on the role of different secondary carbides (WC, Mo2C) and Co-free Ni-based metallic binders. A CALPHAD-based approach is used to predict the influence of single and combined phases on carbon activity, liquidus temperature, and secondary phase formation.This step-by-step methodology integrates thermodynamic predictions with experimental validation to guide the design of Co-free Ti(C,N)-based cermets. Experimental methods include differential thermal analysis (DTA) to assess melting temperatures, contact angle measurements to assess wettability, and microstructural characterisation to determine phase distribution. The study aims to systematically investigate each component's effect on sintering behaviour and microstructural evolution, providing insight into their contribution to expanding the carbon equilibrium range and optimising processing conditions.