Colloidal processing and sintering of WC-based ceramics with low Ni content as sintering aid

• Colloidal optimization in water allows the homogeneous dispersion of small amount (3 wt%) nanosized nickel within WC powders. Dispersed decreased temperature a dense compact (>95 th%) more than 500 °C. The smaller size is, better effect is observed. Compacts present equiaxial grains with metallic located at triple points and graphite precipitates sample. Tungsten Carbide low content shows hardness toughness similar to those higher content. To soften extreme sintering conditions (WC), 3 wt.% (Ni) was added starting ensure fair distribution second phase an intimate mixture phases, colloidal process adopted. A commercial Ni in-house synthesised were used as aids. Rheological studies allowed high final composite Sintering by Hot-Pressing route (HP) proved great benefices aid, decreasing maximum necessary achieve full densification, from 1900 1450 °C dwell times 20 7 min. Among all materials obtained, best results terms density, microstructure properties obtained for WC-nNi, which achieved 14.8 GPa comparable conventional cermets much phase.