Influences of Cobalt Content on the Physical and Tribological Properties of Cemented Tungsten Carbide Used in Sheet Metal Forming Application

Abstract

The objective of this work is to investigate the tribological behavior between WC-Co cemented carbide and austenitic stainless steel under repeated rotation sliding. Influences of cobalt content of commercial grade cemented tungsten carbide on friction coefficient and material transfer phenomena have been explored. Three grades of commercial WC-Co cemented carbide with similar medium WC grain size were employed; WC-12Co, WC-14Co and WC-19Co. The average grain size were ranges between 0.85-1.1 μm and the hardness of about 86-88 HRA have been given by the material maker. The composition analysis and the average grain size of tungsten carbide have been rechecked. Furthermore, the carbide grain size distribution was recorded and the fracture toughness was calculated for each WC-Co grade. The experiments were carried out using ball on disk test. The ball was made from SUS304 grade and the disk was fabricated by 3 grades of WC-Co cemented carbide. The friction coefficient was measured under dry sliding. The characteristics of contact surfaces were explored on the ball as well as on the disk after tests to reveal the presence of a metallic transfer on the WC-Co cemented carbide disk and the wear scar on the ball. The measurement results of wear volume on the stainless steel ball disclosed that maximum wear rate was found from the stainless steel ball rub against WC-19Co tool material.