LAUSR

Abstract This study explored the effect of diamond content (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 wt%) onTi(C0.5,N0.5)-based cermets prepared via vacuum sintering with respect to their final mechanical properties and microstructures, characterized using X-ray diffractionand scanning electron microscopy. After liquid phase sintering, all cermets exhibited a ‘black core/grey rim'and partial ‘white core/grey rim'structure. The cermet with 0.6 wt% diamond exhibited optimal mechanical properties with a Vickers hardness of 1795 ± 32 H V, transverse rupture strength of 2026 ± 45 MPa, and plane strain fracture toughness of 12.95 ± 0.3 MPa m1/2. This is due to grain refinement and the uniformly distributed ‘white core/grey rim'grains. During the incipient liquid formation stage,a higher carbon activity arising due to diamond graphitization may shift the equilibrium towards the product, thereby yielding additional white cores due to the consumption of heavy elements in the binder. Excessive diamond introduction inhibited the dissolution of Ti(C0.5,N0.5) into the binder, resulting in fewer white cores.