CBN–Cr/Cr3C2 composite materials: chemical equilibria, XPS investigations

This paper summarizes theoretical and experimental studies of cBN–Cr/Cr3C2 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratios. From theoretical calculations, it follows that Cr/Cr3C2 react with boron nitride forming one new phase CrB. Experimentally, CBN–Cr/Cr3C2 composites were prepared by high-pressure hot-pressing, and the samples were subsequently heat-treated. The samples after heat treatment were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Studies of the cBN–metal contact layer presented in this work have been performed using XPS techniques in cooperation with the scientists of the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Cracow, Cracow Technical University as well as the University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee.