HP-HT sintering, microstructure, and properties of B6O- and TiC-containing composites based on cBN

Summary, in English

The article presents a study of the potential for the use of B6O superhard boron suboxide as a binder in composite materials with a low cBN content. Superhard B6O is characterized by higher mechanical properties than TiC widely used in commercial materials today. Composites containing 60 vol % cBN and different binder compositions that included B6O and TiC have been sintered in a toroid-type high-pressure apparatus at a pressure of 7.7 GPa in a temperature range from 1500 to 2000 A degrees C. The microstructure, phase and elemental composition of the sintered materials have been examined via electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties have been analyzed via indentation techniques. The performance of the cutting tools produced from the sintered composites has been evaluated in turning hardened cold work tool steel.