Synthesis of complex carbonitrides and boridenitrides by electric discharge assisted mechanical milling

Metal carbonitrides and boridenitrides are finding applications as new materials in areas where high temperature, high hardness and/or high pressure properties are critical. In monolithic form, these materials are particularly well suited for increasing the performance of cutting and machining tools due to their high hardness, thermal stability and chemical inertness. In the work presented here, the novel powder synthesis route of Electric Discharge Mechanical Milling (EDAMM) was applied to the synthesis of powders of carbonitrides and boronitrides (boridenitrides) using as precursors: elemental refractory transition metals; Zr Hf, Ta, Mo and W; transition metals, Ti, Va, Cr; and mixed Si and Si-Al -transition metals.