Microstructure and properties of nano-TiN modified Ti(C,N)-based cermets fabricated by powder injection molding and die pressing

Powder injection molding (PIM) and die pressing were employed to fabricate nano-TiN modified Ti(C,N)-based cermets. The shrinkage behavior, microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the samples with and without nano-TiN addition fabricated by PIM and die pressing were analyzed. It is demonstrated that for either PIM or die pressing, the porosities are obviously reduced, the mechanical properties are significantly improved after adding nano-TiN, and the hard particles are refined; the rim phase thickness obviously becomes thinner, and the number of dimples in fracture also increases. Compared the samples fabricated by die pressing, it is difficult for PIM to obtain dense Ti(C,N)-based cermets. Due to the too much existence of pores and isolated carbon, the mechanical properties of the sintered samples by PIM are inferior to those of the sintered ones by die pressing.