Applying Infiltration Processes and Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis for Manufacturing Cermets: А Review

• Published in: Russian journal of non-ferrous metals 2022-02, Vol.63 (1), p.81-100
• Main Authors: Amosov, A. P., Latukhin, E. I., Umerov, E. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; Ceramics; Cermets; Chemistry and Materials Science; Copper; Functional materials; Infiltration; Lead; Liquid metals; Liquid phases; Magnesium; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Melting points; Metallic Materials; Particulate composites; Physical Metallurgy and Heat Treatment; Production costs; Production methods; Self propagating high temperature synthesis; Silicides; Silver; Solid phases; Tin; Tool wear; Tooling; Wear resistance; Wetting
• ISSN: 1067-8212; 1934-970X
• DOI: 10.3103/S1067821222010047

Cermets are ceramic–metal composites with a relatively high content of ceramic phases ranging from 15 to 85 vol %. It is shown that, if in the 20th century cermets have been considered mainly composites of high-temperature carbide, oxide, nitride, boride, and silicide-based ceramic phases with iron-group metallic phases, then in the 21st century the concept of cermets has significantly expanded owing to the appearance of composites made of ceramic and metal phases with lower melting points, including sulfides and MAX phases, as well as light and low-melting metals (Al, Mg, Cu, Ag, Pb, and Sn). In connection with this, cermets have begun to be considered not only as tooling and heat- and wear-resistant heavy structural materials, but also as light, strong structural materials for the production of vehicles and functional materials for different purposes. However, cermets are quite often characterized by disadvantages such as a tendency to brittle destruction, the difficulty of achieving uniformity and reproducibility of a structure, and the detection of defects therein, as well as the high production cost of such materials. All this makes it necessary to further development them; conduct studies on improving the composition, structure, and properties of cermets; search for new applications; develop novel methods for manufacturing cermets; and reduce production costs. Different methods for manufacturing cermets are discussed, including solid-phase, liquid-phase, gas-phase, and in situ methods. Methods of infiltration with metal melts, the effect of wetting, and the conditions for the implementation of spontaneous infiltration are considered in more detail. The results of the application of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) are also described in detail, including a novel method for manufacturing cermets based on the use of the SHS of a porous ceramic framework followed by spontaneous infiltration with a molten metal proposed by the authors of this review.