Mechanical properties and consolidation of ultra-fine WC-10Co and WC-10Fe hard materials by rapid sintering process

Abstract

The comparison of sintering behavior and mechanical properties of ultra-fine WC-10wt.%Co and WC-10wt.%Fe hard materials produced by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) was accomplished using ultra fine powder of WC and binders(Co, 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 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 I minute without significant change in grain size. The hardness and fracture toughness of the dense WC-10Co and WG-10Fe composites produced by HFIHS were investigated.