Dense TiC-Al₂O₃-Fe cermet fabricated by SHS

Dense TiC-Al₂O₃-20Fe cermet was produced by self-propagating high temperature synthesis and pseudo-hot isostatic pressing (SHS/PHIP). The influences of pressing processes (delay time, high pressure and high pressure time) on density of TiC-Al₂O₃-20Fe cermets was researched. The composition, microstructure and properties of the products were analyzed. The results show that, in the process of preparing TiC-Al₂O₃-20Fe cermet by SHS/PHIP, the release of gases and the existence of the liquid are the important factors. The products consist of TiC and Al₂O₃ particles and quasi-continuous Fe-binder phase. The interfacial bonding between Fe and Al₂O₃ is very smooth. A thin diffusion layer was found between Fe and TiC. Transverse rupture strength and compressive strength are approximately 890 MPa and 18.4 GPa.