design and fabrication of al₂o₃-(w, ti)c-tin-mo-ni nano-composite cermet tool materials with graded structures

Based on the analysis on temperature and stress distributions, as well as fatigue crack propagation in cutting tools, a model for designing compositional distribution and microstructure with graded characteristics was proposed. The addition of ductile phase and the introduction of the graded structure are beneficial to slow down the fatigue crack propagation rate and improve tool life.Al₂O₃-(W,Ti)C-TiN-Mo-Ni nano-composite tool material with graded structures was fabricated via two stage hot pressing sintering process, and the microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The results show that the surface hardness, fracture toughness of inner layer and bending strength of the cermet with sintered gradient structure reach 19.258GPa, 10.015MPa·m^1/2 and 1017.475MPa,respectively.The performance requirements to cutting tools were met. The dimple cleavage and torn edge of the binding phase in the fracture surfaces can be beneficial to the improvement of the fracture toughness and bending strength,so the resistance to fatigue crack propagation of tools is improved.