Synthesis and Characterization of ZrB2-TiC-Mo Cermets

Abstract

In the present study, ZrB2 base cermet have been synthesized having compositions ZrB2-60 TiC- 10 Mo-30, ZrB2-60 TiC-20 Mo-20 and ZrB2-60 TiC-30 Mo-10 by planetary ball milling and sintered by spark plasma sintering technique at 1800ᵒC for duration of 3 minute. Crystallite size of the powder gradually decreases as the duration of milling increases from 0-40 hrs., this decrease in size take place until final product of sub-micron or nano-metric is formed. Phase and microstructure analysis of the prepared sample has been carried out by characterization techniques such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical properties such as hardness and wear has been tested and it is found that cermet having composition ZrB2-60 TiC-30 Mo-10 is having maximum hardness (16GPa) and minimum wear behavior, followed by abrasive mechanism. Cermet having composition ZrB2-60 TiC-30 Mo-10 showed highest oxidation resistant property as compared to other composition.