Abnormal grain growth in cemented carbides — Experiments and simulations

Cobalt skin dose resulting from short and repetitive contact with hard metals

“…This would generally imply that hard metal A is harder (more resistant to deformation) than hard metal F, which, instead, is tougher (higher energy absorption prior to deformation). The chromium in the cobalt binder phase of hard metal F functions as a 'grain growth inhibitor' during the sintering process, but it also improves the corrosion resistance of the hard metal by the formation of a chromium-enriched surface oxide (17,18). Hence, smaller tungsten carbide grains and greater toughness, together with higher corrosion resistance, are the most likely causes of the lower cobalt release/deposition from hard metal F than from hard metal A.…”

“…The basic cemented carbide consists of hard grains of tungsten carbide (WC) embedded in cobalt as a ductile binder (15). The tungsten carbide grain size has a strong influence on the mechanical properties of the material, and the cobalt binder can be alloyed or replaced by other metals to improve corrosion resistance (16)(17)(18). The material is manufactured powder metallurgically; the appropriate blend of tungsten carbide and cobalt powder particles is pressed into the desired shape (compacting), and then heated in a controlled atmosphere to bond the materials (sintering) (15).…”

Metal injection molding (MIM) of heavy alloys, refractory metals, and hardmetals

“…In this case, a powder with a smaller average particle size can result in a larger sintered grain size than a powder with a larger average particle size. Abnormal grain growth can be avoided by using a powder with a narrow particle size distribution (Manneson et al, 2011a(Manneson et al, , 2011b. Lower sintering temperatures and the use of grain growth inhibitors also reduce the occurrence of abnormal grain growth.…”

EFFECT OF COARSE-TO-FINE WC GRAIN RATIO ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND ABRASIVE WEAR OF WC-8Co CEMENTED CARBIDES

“…On the microscopic level, the WC-Co system offers a versatile material produced from powder metallurgical methods. Its mechanical and wear properties can be controlled by manipulating the carbide grain's size, distribution, binder content, and even production pathway [L. [8][9][10]. In terms of mechanical properties, the WC-Co system tends to balance its toughness and hardness by the amount of metallic binder.…”