Fabrication of (Ti,W,Mo,Ta,Nb)(C,N)-Co cermet tools and its performance in turning nodular cast iron

This study investigates the cutting performance and wear mechanisms of high-entropy (Ti,W,Mo,Ta,Nb)(C,N) cermet tools, prepared by incorporating different volume fractions of Co (5 vol% and 10 vol%). The addition of Co enabled low-temperature densification sintering at 1450 °C. Among the tested tools, the (Ti,W,Mo,Ta,Nb)(C,N)-Co cermet tool with 5 vol% Co exhibited the highest toughness (7.07 ± 0.29 MPa·m 1/2 ) and relatively high hardness (22.71 ± 0.55 GPa), resulting in superior cutting performance with a maximum cutting life of 1393 s, significantly surpassing the tool life of Ti(C,N)-based cermet tools from previous studies. The primary wear mechanisms identified were adhesive wear , abrasive wear, and oxidative wear. Overall, the results indicate that high-entropy (Ti,W,Mo,Ta,Nb)(C,N) cermet tools show great potential for turning nodular cast iron .