Shrinkage and microstructure evolution during sintering of cemented carbides with alternative binders

Cemented carbides are used in the cutting tools industry thanks to their exceptional mechanical properties. Manufactured by powder metallurgy route, they made of a hard WC phase with ductile metallic binder, most commonly Co. Due lower availability Co and its classification as carcenogenic material REACH European Regulation, new binders have be considered: Fe Ni investigated this work. Because is common binder metal for decades, there still lack knowledge regarding specific effect alternative on shrinkage microstructure evolution cemented carbides. The purpose work understand nature specifically, comparing classic pure including influence carbon content. Shrinkage behaviour WC-M alloys (M = Co, Ni, Fe) studied from dilatometry experiments well qualitative quantitative microstructural characterisations. Solid state sintering delayed higher temperature WC-Fe comparison WC-Co WC-Ni alloys. Densification mechanisms discussed relation results, analyses, DFT calculations theoretical kinetic model literature.