Effect of Different Binder Phases on the Σ2 Grain Boundary Plane Distribution in Cemented Carbides

Abstract

For WC-6 wt % Co and WC-6 wt % Ni composites, and by using five parameter analysis method as a new approach, the geometric and crystallographic features of carbide/carbide boundaries have been characterized. Two most frequently occurring WC/WC boundaries are 90° twist boundaries about [10–10] (Σ2 boundaries) and 27.8° twist boundaries about [0001] (Σ13a boundaries), the Σ2 boundary populations vary with binder phase types, and carbide crystals are most frequently terminated by (0001) and (10–10) surfaces, such preference does not significantly alter if Σ2 boundaries are partitioned.