Fabrication of chromium carbide cermets by electric resistance sintering process: Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties

doi:10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2020.105417

International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials

Volume 95, February 2021, 105417

$International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials$

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2020.105417 Get rights and content

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Highlights

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Development of a new process for the fabrication of chromium carbide based-hard materials
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Processing parameters and two different carbide compositions, including one composition with WC
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Use of agglomerated and pre-sintered powders for the ERS technology (typical powder for thermal spray)
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Microstructural and mechanical characterization of the obtained materials and phase analysis.
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Practical considerations about the technology regarding sample size and scalability

Abstract

Chromium carbide-based cermets are suitable for use in abrasive and corrosive environments. This work presents the fabrication of chromium carbide-based cermets by a very fast sintering process: Electric Resistance Sintering. The thermal cycle duration was less than 1 s and without protective atmosphere.

Two different compositions were studied: Cr₃C₂-25NiCr (wt%) and WC-20Cr₃C₂-7Ni (wt%). Microstructure and crystallographic phases of the initial powders and sintered materials are presented. In addition, hardness and toughness were characterized and compared to conventional materials.

One important issue of ERS is the size and homogeneity of the pieces. This work presents the also the fabrication of a mining wear piece and some aspects about scaling up.