Abstract
Abstract WC and WC–VC materials without metallic binder addition were densified by pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) in the 1600–1900 °C range. The densification mechanism, microstructure and mechanical properties of the pure WC and VC-doped WC carbides were investigated. The densification of WC–VC materials was accompanied with the formation of a cubic (V, W)C solid solution. Although no abnormal WC grain growth was observed, the (V, W)C grains were observed to grow rapidly with increasing VC content. A maximum Vickers hardness (HV 10 ) of 27.39 GPa in combination with an indentation toughness of 4.38 MPa m 1/2 was obtained for the PECS pure and 1 wt% VC doped WC grades. The hardness was found to linearly decrease down to 21.41 GPa with further addition of VC up to 16 wt%, with a slightly decreased fracture toughness.
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