Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of WC-Co and WC-AISI 304 Composites by a Newly Developed Equipment.

Luís Vilhena,Cristina Fernandes,Ana Senos,Bruno Domingues,Amílcar Ramalho

doi:10.3390/ma15031187

Abstract

Tungsten carbide-based composites are, in many cases, the materials of choice in applications requiring high wear resistance. In the present research work, the mechanical characterization of the WC-Co and WC-AISI 304 composites was carried out, with evaluation of the hardness and fracture toughness and tribological characterization of the composites that included the study of friction and wear rate coefficient through unlubricated sliding tests according to the Pin-on-Disc test method. It was possible to correlate the effect of the different binding phases on the mechanical and tribological properties of WC-based composites, and it can be concluded that the system composed by the tribological pair WC-AISI304/100Cr6 was the one that showed the lowest coefficient of friction while the tribological pair WC-Co/Al2O3 was the one that showed the lowest wear rate coefficient.

Highlights

Characterization of WC-Co and Tungsten carbide (WC) based composites, known as cemented carbides or hardmetals, stand out for their mechanical properties, but mainly for the excellent wear resistance they offer [1,2,3]
The first phase of discussion is centered on the mechanical characterization of the WCCo and WC-AISI 304 composites
Of 1491 ± 36 was determined for the WC-Co and 1542 ± 18 for WC-AISI 304

Summary

Introduction

Characterization of WC-Co and Tungsten carbide (WC) based composites, known as cemented carbides or hardmetals, stand out for their mechanical properties, but mainly for the excellent wear resistance they offer [1,2,3]. The tungsten carbide particles are characterized by high hardness and brittleness while the metallic matrix, called binder, gives the composite strength and ductility [5]. WC-based composites are mainly used when wear resistance is a key factor. The applicability of these materials is vast and can be used, for example, in tools for cutting and forming metals, components for the mining and mineralogical industry, drilling tools for the oil and gas extraction industry, military components and even in jewelry [4,7,8]

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Conclusion