Microstructure and properties of WC-11.5%Fe-4%NbH-0.5%C cemented carbides produced by spark plasma sintering

This study investigates the influence of milling parameters and sintering cycle on microstructure properties cemented carbides with an overal WC–11.5wt%Fe–4wt%NbH–0.5wt%C starting powder composition. The raw material powders were milled mixed in a ring mill or planetary ball sintered at 1150, 1200 1250 °C using spark plasma (SPS). carbide density, Vickers hardness fracture toughness evaluated. was investigated by optical scanning electron microscopy wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental mapping. transition from NbH to NbC identified all materials. Moreover, microstructural gradients formed creating bi-layered structured materials higher edges tougher cores. highest homogeneity found °C. For these samples, density recorded 13.69 g/cm3, which also obtained values 1620 Hv 1589 Hv, surface center regions, respectively.