Mechanical evaluation of WC-Co materials with varying microstructures

Tungsten carbide?cobalt materials are useful in a variety of extreme applications due to desirable blend properties, yet the technology has not significantly changed since their initial development 1920s. The mechanical properties this class is highly dependent on two variables, size tungsten carbide grains, and amount binder phase present final body. In study, isolated across three commercial from same manufacturer with different grain sizes investigate effect properties. investigated indentation hardness, flexure tensile strength, as well fracture toughness. general, an increase hardness strength decreasing was observed, while toughness showed opposite trend increasing size. results did show correlation Fractographic analysis identified dominant strength-limiting flaw for each sample, which largely were form porosity. Other flaws types, such inclusions milling process, clusters large machining cracks surface finishing also identified. Weibull performed deemed appropriate these materials, but strength-size scaling conducted variability feature between specimen geometries. • Mechanical WC 12% Co microstructures Hardness uniaxial increased Fracture Flexure correlate Fractography significant variations features