Preparation of (Ti,Ta)-(C,N) by mechanical alloying

Ti(C,N) and Ta powders were mechanically alloyed to synthesize the (Ti,Ta)-carbonitride solid solution. As a result of milling, nanocrystalline Ti(C,N) was obtained. Mechanical alloying greatly improves the sinterability of the Ti(C,N)-Ta powders, and full densification was obtainable in solid state at 1500 °C by FAST/ SPS technique. Cermets produced of the mechanically alloyed powders showed a fine microstructure and possessed superior mechanical properties, as compared to conventional ball milled sintered cermets.