The project deals with the study of the intermetallic nickel aluminides (Ni3Al) as binders for cemented carbides. Traditionally cobalt is used as a binder for tungsten carbide and nickel-iron for titanium carbide materials. These materials are used for tools and dies in manufacturing. Nickel aluminides can increase the high temperature (850oC) yield strength of these materials. Also, the abundant resources for nickel and aluminum can be a good replacement for cobalt which is scarce and strategically important. The main objectives of this project are the following: effect of alloying additions on the properties of the new carbides; comparison of new cemented carbides with existing carbides; and, machining performance of tools made of these carbides in continuous and interrupted cutting.
