Development of wear resistance microstructure of hardmetals by sintering process

Abstract

This study developed the cemented tungsten carbide by steadily sintering at 1430 °C for one hour. The tungsten carbide structure is a long shape. Its grain size has a difference between width and length, and there are high distribution of sizes and shapes. In comparison with the work piece which has the similar size of grain structure, the milling duration of tungsten carbide is less even though the condition of WC-Co is the same (95% WC – 5% Co). When the sintering of 1400 °C, with the identical milling duration, is performed. It turned out that both grain structures of the tungsten carbide and the work piece are similar, and their grain sizes are slightly different. However, when the grain structures are almost the same, and sphericity is increased, the hardness and wear resistance will also be improved. Therefore, the size of grain structure between 1.00 – 3.00 μm with the milling duration of 100 hours, will provide a work piece that has a wear resistance according to international standard