Effect of (Ni,Mo) and (W,Ti)C on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiB<sub>2</sub> Ceramic Tool Materials

TiB 2 -(W,Ti)C composites with (Ni,Mo) as sintering additive have been fabricated by hot-pressing technique, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites have been investigated. (Ni,Mo) promotes grain growth of the composites. In the case of 7vol.% (Ni,Mo), the grain size decreases consistently with an increase in the content of (W,Ti)C. When the proper content of (W,Ti)C is added to TiB 2 composites, the growth of matrix grains is inhibited and the mechanical properties of the composites are improved. The best mechanical properties of the composites are 1084.13MPa for three-point flexural strength, 7.80MPa•m 1/2 for fracture toughness and 17.92GPa for Vickers hardness.