Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of WC-10Co, WC-10Ni and WC-10Fe hard materials produced by high-frequency induction heated sintering

Abstract

The comparison of sintering behavior and mechanical properties of WC-10 wt.%Co, WC-10 wt.%Ni and WC-10 wt.%Fe hard materials produced by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) method was accomplished using ultra-fine powder of WC and binders (Co, Ni, Fe). The advantage of this process allows very quick densification to near theoretical density and prohibition of grain growth in nano-structured materials. Highly dense WC-10Co, WC-10Ni and WC-10Fe with a relative density of up to 99% could be obtained with simultaneous application of 60 MPa pressure and induced current within 1 min without significant change in grain size. The hardness and fracture toughness of the dense WC-10Co, WC-10Ni and WC-10Fe composites produced by HFIHS were investigated. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All fights reserved.