Sintered Ti(C,N)-based cermets were treated with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at different nitrogen pressures. The tribological properties of the treated cermets have been evaluated. The results show that a hard near-surface area rich in TiN formed after HIP treatment. The cermets treated at higher pressure had a relatively lower friction coefficient and specific wear rate. In all cases the microhardness of treated cermets is higher than that without HIP natridation. The wear mechanisms of cermets were hard particle flaking-off and ploughing. It was also found that the HIP natridation is well-suited for improving the tribological properties of cermets.

• Xiong
• Wei-hao
• Zheng
• Li-yun
• Yan
• Xian-mei