Synthesis and Characterization of ZrB2-WC-Si Cermets

Abstract

The present study deal with the synthesis of ZrB2 based cermets with nominal compositions of ZrB2-60-WC-10-Si-30, ZrB2-60-WC-15-Si-25 and ZrB2-60-WC-20-Si-20 synthesis by planetary ball milling and consolidated by plasma sintering (PS) process at 1800°C for 3 min. Phase evolution and microstructure characterization during synthesis and consolidated products were evaluated by using of X-ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Field emission electron scanning microscope(FESEM). The bulk density (4.13g/cc) of cermet with composition of ZrB2-60-WC-20-Si-20 is the highest than that of other two cermets (2.92 and 3.41g/cc). The cermet with composition of ZrB2-60-WC-20-Si20 records extraordinary level of improvement of the hardness (27.7 GPa) which is 1-1.5 times of higher hardness value than that of the similar kind of materials. Similar kind of trend in the wear behavior was found and followed by abrasive wear mechanism. The cermet with composition of ZrB2-60-WC-20-Si-20 records the higher oxidation resistant property than that of other two cermets.