Tribological properties of nitrogen ion implanted WC-Co

Abstract

The effects of nitrogen ion implantation on the properties and the characters of WC-Co cemented carbides were studied. The implanted layers were characterized by means of AES and XRD. The friction wear tests were undertaken with a pin-on-disc friction-wear tester. The worn surface morphologies of the samples were observed with SEM and EMPA. The mechanisms of surface modification of N ion implantation into WC-Co cemented carbides were considered. The results indicate that a carbon-rich layer and some nitrides form in the nitrogen ion implanted surface layer of WC-Co. A suitable dose of nitrogen ion implantation can increase the surface hardness of WC-Co and an excess dose can cause decrease in surface hardness of WC-Co. Nitrogen ion implantation reduces the friction adhesion transfer from stainless steel to implanted WC-Co.