Mechanical performance of alumina reinforced with NbC, TiC and WC

Abstract

The incorporation of refractory hard particles in Al 2 O 3 -based composites may inhibit grain growth of the matrix, which could significantly contribute to mechanical performance of the composite. The present study aimed to investigate the potential use of NbC as alumina reinforcing material, as an alternative to other carbides such as TiC and WC. Alumina was mixed with a fixed carbide concentration of 30 wt.(%) in a ball mill and uniaxially hot-pressed at 1650 °C under a load of 30 MPa in an inert atmosphere. X-ray diffraction revealed no oxidation products were present after the sintering process. Microstructure analyses indicate a homogeneous carbide distribution in the alumina matrix. Results obtained in this study show that alumina reinforced with NbC is a composite material with properties comparable to those of alumina reinforced with WC and TiC, thereby making it good reinforcing material.

Structural and Magnetic Properties of Duplex Stainless steel (UNS S31803) Powders Obtained by high Energy Milling of Chips with Additions of NbC

“…The niobium carbide presents a high hardness and toughness, elevated Young's modulus and a high melting point, above 3000°C 12,13 . In stainless steel, niobium forms dispersed micro-or nano-sized niobium carbide particles, controlling the microstructure and thus improving mechanical properties 14,15 . Furthermore, Brazil has the largest reserves of niobium in the world, which makes this strategic study for Brazil 14 .…”

“…In stainless steel, niobium forms dispersed micro-or nano-sized niobium carbide particles, controlling the microstructure and thus improving mechanical properties 14,15 . Furthermore, Brazil has the largest reserves of niobium in the world, which makes this strategic study for Brazil 14 . The process of Mechanical milling (MM) utilizes high frequency and high energy impacts causing severe plastic deformation, repeated fracturing and cold welding of the particles [16][17][18] .…”

Effect of Al2O3-NbC nanopowder incorporation on the mechanical properties of 3Y-TZP/Al2O3-NbC nanocomposites obtained by conventional and spark plasma sintering

“…The use of carbides of transition metals as a reinforcement on the ceramic matrix is one promising option, since the presence of these carbides enhances mechanical properties, such as hardness and fracture toughness, and improves tribological properties [5][6][7].…”

Effect of High Energy Milling Time of the Aluminum Bronze Alloy Obtained by Powder Metallurgy with Niobium Carbide Addition

“…In such alloys, niobium forms a dispersed micro/nanosized particle, controlling the microstructure and thus improving mechanical properties. Most studies have focused on sintering with additions of hard ceramics such as NbC with the aim of producing a more wear resistant composite [23][24][25][26] . Particle size is also an important factor in PM affecting properties such as compressibility, thus enhancing densification and properties of the sintered products.…”