Fabrication of chromium carbide cermets by electric resistance sintering process: Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

Chromium carbide-based cermets are suitable for use in abrasive and corrosive environments. This work presents the fabrication of chromium carbide-based cermets by a very fast sintering process: Electric Resistance Sintering. The thermal cycle duration was less than 1 s and without protective atmosphere. Two different compositions were studied: Cr3C2-25NiCr (wt%) and WC-20Cr3C2-7Ni (wt%). Microstructure and crystallographic phases of the initial powders and sintered materials are presented. In addition, hardness and toughness were characterized and compared to conventional materials. One important issue of ERS is the size and homogeneity of the pieces. This work presents the also the fabrication of a mining wear piece and some aspects about scaling up.