Abstract

WC-Co base metal matrix composites with the addition of other carbides such as TiC have superior properties such as high hardness, good fracture toughness and high wear resistance. They are typical powder metallurgy products and constitute a complex composite structure with a ductile Co matrix (sometimes Fe and Ni) and extremely hard brittle carbide phase (mostly WC and TiC). Recently, nano and/or near-nano-sized carbide particles are being used to enhance microstructural development to increase hardness and toughness. In this study, the effect of near-nano-sized TiC additions on the microstructural development and densification along with increasing hardness and wear resistance were investigated. Standard WC-13 Co powder mixture was modified with 2 weight % TiC powders with average of 350-400nm grain size.

Keywords:WC-Co metal matrix composites; TiC; Nano-sized TiC; WC-Co-TiC; Near nano-particles