International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials 

About: International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials is an academic journal published by Elsevier BV. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Microstructure & Sintering. It has an ISSN identifier of 0263-4368. Over the lifetime, 3856 publications have been published receiving 91679 citations. The journal is also known as: International journal of refractory and hard metals.

Microscopic theory of hardness and design of novel superhard crystals

Abstract: Hardness can be defined microscopically as the combined resistance of chemical bonds in a material to indentation. The current review presents three most popular microscopic models based on distinct scaling schemes of this resistance, namely the bond resistance, bond strength, and electronegativity models, with key points during employing these microscopic models addressed. These models can be used to estimate the hardness of known crystals. More importantly, hardness prediction based on the designed crystal structures becomes feasible with these models. Consequently, a straightforward and powerful criterion for novel superhard materials is provided. The current focuses of research on potential superhard materials are also discussed.

Synthesis, sintering, and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline cemented tungsten carbide - A review

Abstract: Nanocrystalline WC–Co materials have been the subject of interests and focus of research programs around the world for the past two decades owing to the expectations that the mechanical behavior of the material may improve significantly when grain sizes reduce to nanometer scale. However, although numerous technologies are available for making nanosized tungsten carbide powders, obtaining true nanocrystalline WC–Co (average WC grain size

Ti(C,N) cermets — Metallurgy and properties

Abstract: An overview of the metallurgical reactions during the vacuum sintering process of powder mixtures for the manufacture of cermets is presented. The relatively complex phase reactions in the multi-component system Ti/Mo/W/Ta/Nb/C,N-Co/Ni are discussed. The liquid binder phase reacts with titanium carbonitride by preferentially dissolving titanium carbide leaving titanium nitride undissolved. The compositions and the amounts of the gas species set free during the sintering process were monitored and led —together with differential thermal analysis — to a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern the sintering behaviour. The properties and the microstructure of cermets depend on the nature and the alloy status of the prematerials. The composition of the prematerials with respect to the carbon-nitrogen ratio, the stoichiometry of the hard phase and the amount and composition of the binder phase have a decisive influence on the properties and the cutting performances of the final products. Optimization of the properties with respect to the desired performance is possible. Examples of the cermet cutting performance in various applications are discussed.

Cemented carbide microstructures: a review

Abstract: Cemented carbides cover a wide range of applications in many relevant industries, i.e. as cutting tools (turning, milling, drilling) for machining of metal components in the automotive and/or aerospace industry, as components of drill bits or road headers in the rock tools and mining area or as wear parts in wire drawing dies or punch tools. In this review selected cemented carbide and cermet microstructures are presented. The focus is on microstructures, both those that are already established in the cemented carbide industry and those which have drawn scientific attention due to new potential applications. Cemented carbides are here divided in four groups based on microstructure and chemistry: WC morphology and chemistry, cubic carbide containing cemented carbide and cermets, functionally graded cemented carbides, and binder design of cemented carbides. Furthermore, this review covers some historical background that motivated the microstructure design as well as the status of each class of materials nowadays. The paper aims at categorising cemented carbides in a structured way and to serve as an introduction to cemented carbide microstructures for engineers, researchers and scientists.

Performance of PVD TiN, TiCN, and TiAlN coated cemented carbide tools in turning

Abstract: Ion-plated PVD TiN, TiCN, and high-ionization sputtered PVD TiAlN coatings were deposited on WC–6wt%Co hardmetal inserts. Microstructural and mechanical properties of the coatings and substrate were characterized. Coated tools were evaluated in turning of Inconel 718, medium carbon SAE 1045 steel, and ductile iron at low and high cutting speeds. TiAlN coated tools showed the best metalcutting performance, followed by the TiCN and TiN coated tools. The superior performance of the TiAlN coated tools, which was even greater at higher speeds, is related to the coating's higher resistance to abrasive and crater wear. These characteristics are a result of the higher hot hardness and oxidation resistance of TiAlN at the temperatures normally encountered at the tool tip during machining operations.