Effect of Nano-Scale TiN on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Si3N4 Based Ceramic Tool Materials
An effect of nano-scale TiN grains on the mechanical properties and microstructure of Si3N4 based ceramic tool materials is investigated at the different sintering temperature. Compared to monolithic Si3N4 ceramic tool materials, the sintering temperature is decreased and mechanical properties is enhanced when only one percent of nano-scale TiN in term of mass is added into the Si3N4 matrix. The optimum mechanical properties are achieved when Si3N4/TiN nanocomposites tool materials were sintered at the sintering conditions of 1650, 30MPa and holding time of 40min. The flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness are 1018.2MPa, 8.62MPa⋅m1/2 and 14.58GPa respectively. SEM micrographs indicate that microstructure is composed of the elongated and equiaxed β-Si3N4 grains, and some nano-scale TiN grains are enveloped into matrix grains.