Abstract
The study was attempted to reason the superiority of TiC-Cr3C2 based multi-component ceramic composites, which have been toughened by multi-toughening mechanism comprising branching and deflection of cracks and micro-cracking, in regard to tool life in intermittent cutting. On the bases of their mechanical properties of various cutting tool materials, the fracture resistance was discussed.
It was clarified that the superior tool life of the ceramic composites could be understood according to the large value of "thermal shock damage resistance parameter", proposed by D. P. H. Hasselman. It means that it is essential for substantial improvement of fracture resistance in ceramic tools to take place R-curve behaviour at fracture.
The possibility of toughening in liquid phase sintering alloys for cutting tool in the same mechanism as the ceramic composites was also clarified in the study.
