Recent research led by Asad Malik from the School of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad has unveiled promising advancements in the development of cermets, specifically NbC-Ni cermets, which could significantly impact maritime applications. Published in “Materials Research Express,” this study addresses the need for more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional WC-Co cemented carbide tools, which are widely used in various industrial applications, including maritime manufacturing.
The research focused on enhancing the mechanical properties of NbC-Ni cermets by incorporating titanium carbide (TiC) in concentrations of 10% and 20%. These cermets were fabricated using a vacuum liquid phase sintering process at temperatures of 1400 °C and 1450 °C. The inclusion of TiC not only refined the grain structure but also improved key mechanical properties such as hardness and fracture toughness, which are critical for materials used in harsh maritime environments.
Malik’s team observed that the introduction of 20% TiC resulted in a 26.5% increase in average hardness compared to the standard NbC-Ni cermet, and a 4.2% improvement over cermets reinforced with vanadium carbide (VC) and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C). “The incorporation of TiC led to significant grain refinement, which is essential for enhancing the mechanical strength of the cermets,” Malik noted. The research found that the grain sizes decreased from 6.84 μm to 2.154 μm with the addition of TiC, demonstrating how microstructural changes can lead to better performance.
While the study highlighted improvements in hardness and fracture toughness, it also noted a slight reduction in flexural strength with the TiC addition. The maximum flexural strength recorded was 939 N/mm² for the NbC-Ni-4VC4Mo2C cermet. This balance of properties is crucial for maritime applications, where materials must withstand high stress and wear.
The findings open up commercial opportunities for the maritime sector, especially in the development of cutting tools and components that require high durability and resistance to wear. As industries seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the adoption of NbC-Ni cermets could offer a viable alternative to traditional materials, aligning with sustainability goals.
The research underscores the potential of advanced cermets in enhancing operational efficiency and longevity of tools used in maritime manufacturing and maintenance. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like those presented by Malik and his team could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime materials.
