A new hardmetal for mining with Ni-Co binder

Abstract

The properties of WC-Co-Ni hardmetals have been studied in relation to the different carbon content and nickel content. It is shown that, in comparison with WC-(Co-30% Ni) and WC-(Co-50% Ni) hardmetals, WC-(Co-75% Ni) hardmetal can be characterized by lower hardness and compressive strength, but higher fracture toughness ( K IC) and thermal diffusivity. On the basis of the results, a WC-(Co-75% Ni) hardmetal grade was selected for rock-drilling trials. The results show that a WC-(Co-75% Ni) hardmetal can give equivalent performance to a standard WC-Co hardmetal in the rotary-percussive drilling of hard rock.