Alumina-Ti(C,N) ceramics with TiB2 additives

Purpose: The aim of the study presented in this article is to determine the effect of TiB2 addition on the selected properties of ceramic tool materials. The effect of titanium diboride additives on the density, porosity, Young’s modulus and Vickers hardness of Al2O3-Ti(C,N) matrix ceramics was determined. Design/methodology/approach: Al2O3-Ti(C,N) ceramics with TiB2 addition were sintered by SPS method. Materials for SPS sintering were pressed in graphite die with pressure of 35 MPa. The max. pressure was obtained after 10 minutes. Sinter process was operated in nitrogen atmosphere. Density, Vickers hardness and Young’s modulus was determined for these materials. The materials were also subjected to tribological analysis. The results were compared with the properties of Al2O3-Ti(C,N) matrix material. Findings: The use of SPS-method in the production of ceramic materials is possible reduce sintering temperature and sintering time. Depending on the TiB2 additives used, the relative density values of individual materials were in the range of 94.4% to 97.7%. Young’s modulus values for these materials were in the range of 392 GPa to 414 GPa, and Vickers hardness in the range of 1966 to 2225 HV1. The results of tribological analysis showed a friction coefficient value for the matrix material of 0.51. For the other materials, the friction coefficient values were in the range 0.31 to 0.49. Practical implications: Ceramic materials with the addition of titanium diboride may be used in cutting tools. Study of the composition and production technology of such tools allows for the minimisation of the use of liquid cooling lubricants in the machining process and the achievement of higher cutting speeds. Originality/value: Titanium diboride additives were added to the structure, resulting in a reduced coefficient of friction, which was measured at between 61% and 96% of the base material coefficient.