Several Ti(C,N)-based cermets with different grain growth inhibitor were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The microstructure and mechanical properties of a cermet as a function of the content of the typical grain growth inhibitors, such as vanadium carbide (VC) and chromium carbide (Cr3C2), was revealed. VC addition could remarkably refine the grains, but it reduced the wetting of the ceramic grains by liquid metal during sintering. Thus it still reduced the performances of the cermet. Cr3C2 addition was found to inhibit grains from growing to lower extent during sintering. However it reduced the wetting of the ceramic grains by liquid metal slightly. Most of chromium element congregated in the rim phase and improved the plasticity of the rim. With Cr3C2 added properly, the performances of the cermets were improved remarkably.
