Influence of binder metal on wear initiation of cemented carbides in sliding contact with granite

Drill bits equipped with WC-Co cemented carbide buttons offer great performance in many rock drilling applications. Generally, the wear of these against is gradual and moderate, or even slow depending on conditions. However, Co binder has recently been found to cause health issues an alternative binder, which does not compromise carbide, needed. In present work, WC-Fe WC-Ni investigated compared common a sliding test granite. The results show immediate scrape-off granite protruding WC grain edges. Some grains crack fragments are subsequently removed, adding up loss entire grains. A nanoscale pattern gradually evolves other grains, implying also wear. Both significantly faster initiation early propagation WC-Co, although characteristics similar.