Superhard pcBN tool materials with Ti3SiC2 MAX-phase binder : Structure, properties, application
Superhard cutting tool materials were sintered in cBN–(Ti3SiC2–TiC) system via high pressure–high temperature method. Sintering was performed under the pressure 8 GPa in the 1400–2400°C temperature range. The initial mixtures of three compositions were chosen with 90, 80 and 60 vol % cBN. The mixtures were prepared by mixing cBN (1–3 μm) and Ti3SiC2–TiC (< 2 μm). It was found, that upon sintering,