Effect of diamond additions on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of WC- TiC- Co/Ni Nano-composite

Abstract

WC- TiC- Co- Ni/diamond composites have been prepared by powder metallurgy technique. 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10wt% diamond were added. WC- TiC- Co/diamond was coated with 12wt% nickel by the electro-less deposition process. All the samples were compressed at 700MPa then sintered at 1450 for 1h. XRD, EDAX, and microstructure were investigated. Density, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, magnetic properties, the coefficient of thermal expansion, fracture toughness and hardness were studied. The results of XRD and EDAX analysis show that new phases were formed. It also revealed that the diamond content has a positive effect on the thermal properties of composites. Presence of Ni content improves the Fracture toughness of the composites but decreases the hardness.