Hardness and Deformation of Hardmetals at Room Temperature

Intrinsic hardness of constitutive phases in WC–Co composites: Nanoindentation testing, statistical analysis, WC crystal orientation effects and flow stress for the constrained metallic binder

“…one that accounts not only for the solid solution strengthening by dissolved tungsten and carbon but also for the limitation of slip length by the adjacent carbide crystals) is fundamental for formulating useful and reliable hardness and toughness models. Regarding hardness modelling attempts, in previous studies it has been estimated by considering the hardness of bulk cobalt (or Co W C dilute alloys) as baseline and assuming it obeys a conventional Hall-Petch relationship [1,2,[7][8][9][10][11]. This is also the case for toughness modelling, where the flow stress (σ flow ) for the constrained metallic binder (a critical parameter for reliable evaluation of the energy expended in the flow and fracture of the reinforcing ductile ligaments [37][38][39]) has been calculated through simple conversion of previously estimated intrinsic hardness data.…”

“…This may be evidenced in the exhaustive review recently published by Shatov and coworkers [1]. Main aim behind most of these investigations has been to understand microstructure-hardness relationship (e.g.…”

“…Refs. [1,2,[7][8][9][10][11]). In this regard, many of these studies have provided a relatively satisfactory agreement between experimental and estimated data by recalling diverse assumptions at the corresponding small length scale, such as in situ hardness for both phases obeying Hall-Petch relations independently from each other or constraint factors for individual phases and composite being the same.…”

A Review on Binderless Tungsten Carbide: Development and Application

“…Cemented carbides enjoy great practical significance and have been extensively applied as rock drill buttons, pressing dies, cutting tools, and other abrasion-resistant engineering parts due to their combinations of considerable toughness, strength, and wear resistance [1][2][3][4][5]. The tungsten carbide phase endows the alloy excellent hardness as well as superior wear resistance, while the binder phase is responsible for strength and toughness of the composite materials.…”

Carbon distribution in WC based cemented carbides

“…Having an excessive amount of carbon brings the free carbon as the 3-rd phase, whereas lack of the carbon produces the 3-rd phase of complex carbide (W x Co x )C also known as η-phase [1][2][3][4][5]. Presence of any of the 3-rd phases adversely affects the mechanical properties of the cemented carbides [1,[3][4][5][6][7][8]. Therefore, the carbon balance is always strictly monitored and maintained during the production of the cemented carbides to avoid the occurrence of the 3-rd phase.…”