Open Access

Several phases, like Nb₄ C₃ , Nb₆C₅ and other short and long range ordered phases occur in the region of homogeneity of NbCₓ (0.75 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) in the binary phase diagram. Properties, like micro-hardness, hot hardness, sliding wear resistance, elastic modulus and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb ratio, the addition of secondary carbides and the type of binder. Supporting results from different grades with varying C/Nb ratio or binder types were illuminated. Thus, the NbC system offers to producers a wider process window, than WC. The impact of these tailored properties on sliding wear and cutting performance was illuminated by tribological and machining results. Niobium is today largely available. NbC can be synthesized by carbothermal conversion of Nb₂O₅ or be metallurgically grown and leached out, provides comparably low friction in many relevant tribo-contacts and displays low wear. NbC and Nb₂O₅ have so far no REACH classification related to human toxicology and are not listed as substances of very high concern contrary to WO₃ and Co₃ O₄ .

Full densification of Fe, Co and Ni bonded NbC based cermet’s was achieved by pressure less liquid phase sintering in vacuum for one hour at 1420°C. The hardness and toughness of the NbC matrix cermet’s can be mainly tailored by the binder composition and secondary carbide additions. Ni binder based NbC cermet’s allow the combination of high hardness and improved toughness. The addition of lesser amounts of VC/Cr3C2 in a NbC partially substituted WC-Co cemented carbide increased significantly the hardness in combination with a moderate fracture toughness.

The current study reports on the effect of the addition of Al metal and secondary refractory carbides on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni bonded NbC matrix cermets.

The current study reports on the effect of the sintering temperature and secondary carbide (VC, Mo2C and TiC) and Mo additions on the NbC grain growth, microstructure evolution as well as concomitant Vickers hardness (HV30) and fracture toughness of Ni-bonded NbC cermets.

In the present work it was shown that the properties of NbCx, like micro-hardness, hot-hardness, sliding wear resistance, elastic modulus and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb ratio, the addition of secondary carbides and the type of binder.