Microstructure and Properties of Fine-Grained WC-10Co-0.5Cr3C2-1TaC-0.5Ru Prepared by Rolling Ball Milling and Low-Pressure Sintering

Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation of fine-grained WC/Co composite powder using rolling ball milling and spray drying techniques. The cemented carbide composition achieved through low-pressure sintering technology was WC-10Co-0.5Cr3C2-1TaC-0.5Ru (wt.%). To study the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-10 wt.% cemented carbide, the microstructure and phase constituents of the material were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the material were examined. The results indicate that as the sintering temperature increased from 1390 °C to 1450 °C, the grain size of WC in the alloy increased, resulting in a slight decrease in hardness, an increase in fracture toughness, and the transverse fracture strength increasing first and then decreasing. The sintered hard alloy prepared at 1410 °C exhibited fewer pores and a uniform and fine grain size, reaching a density of 99.98%, a hardness of 91.8 HRA, a fracture strength of 3962 MPa, and a fracture toughness of 14.7 MPa⋅m1/2