SINTERING PROPERTIES OF TiC-Ni-Mo CERMET USING NANOSIZED TiC POWDERS

The sintering behavior to form TiC-Ni-Mo cermet using a nano-size TiC powders was investigated in flowing Argon gas at 1500°C. Nano-sized titanium carbide powders with high purity, high surface area, and low cost were synthesized from carbon coated Ti containing precursors utilizing a patented process. The sintering studies showed that an increase in theoretical density (TD) with increasing molybdenum content. TiC based cermets were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance results shows potential applications as interconnect for Low/Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and machining tool tips