Novel FeCoNiCuMn High Entropy Alloys As Binders For TiCN based Cermets

Cermets and hardmetals are made conventionally from carbide hard phases like WC, TiC or TiCN and binder phases consisting of single elements or simple mixtures of Co, Ni or Fe. To limit the use of Co and Ni, alternative binders systems have to be investigated. Within our study, novel high entropy alloy (HEA) compositions of FeCoNiCuMn which do not contain (strong) carbide forming elements were investigated for the fabrication of TiCN based cermets. Adjustments in regard to carbon and copper content were made to successfully design a composition with just a single FCC binder phase. The developed TiCN based HEA cermets show conventional two phase microstructures and mechanical properties comparable to conventional CoNi binder based TiCN cermets.