Influence of Milling and Use of Ni and Al Containing Metal Binder in NbC-Based Cermets

Abstract This study presents the development of niobium carbide cermets bound to nickel and Ni-12Al (wt%). The use of Ni-12Al (wt%) and Ni aims to replace strategic elements such as cobalt (Co) utilized in tungsten carbide-based cermets. Cermets of different compositions were processed by conventional powder metallurgy. Microstructural analysis with semi-quantitative chemical analysis by EDX, Vickers microhardness and density measurement were performed to evaluate the influence of high energy milling application and sintering temperature on the properties of these cermets. A milling time of 20 min in a planetary mill and sintering temperatures of 1420 ºC or 1450 ºC resulted in homogeneous microstructures, densities close to 90% and hardness of around 1000 HV1, showing a potential for use of this material in cutting tools.