Effect of the high energy milling on the microstructure of Cu-20%WC composite powders prepared with recycled WC

Abstract

A mixture of Cu-20wt%WC was milled in a high energy mill for up to 50 h. The WC powder was recycled from hard metal scrap. It presents agglomerates of faceted WC particles and residual Co and Fe. In the first hours of milling, the Cu particles are deformed into plates, the agglomerates of WC are broken apart, the primary WC particles are fragmented and embedded in the Cu phase. Composite particles are formed. As milling proceeds, different plates are welded together and folded. The particle size increases. However, the hardened Cu becomes fragile and begin to break, decreasing the particle size. Both, Cu and WC are under compressive strain. Residual Co and Fe present in the recycled powder are dissolved in Cu and behave like the soft Cu phase.