Sintering and microstructure of nanophase WC/Co hardmetals

摘要: Abstract For improving the mechanical properties of WC/Co hardmetals, development is in direction diminishing scale and increasing uniformity structure, extending into nanoscale region. Thus, a new approach to produced nanophase powder was developed by thermo-chemical process. It much more direct route for making than traditional processing methods, offers potential cost production novel materials with homogeneous microstructures improved properties. However, major problems coarsing carbide particle during sintering due large surface area between cobalt phase. To overcome WC sintering, transition metal were used as grain growth inhibitor different amount respectively. VC, TaC VC/TaC effective inhibitors retain microstructure. Nanophase doped shown superior hardness TRS values, microstructure maintained ultrafine rounded particles.