Abstract
Deformation and fracture mechanism by compression of WC-Co cemented carbide was studied by measuring and observing stress-strain curves, micro-structure and physical properties. It was found that micro-fracture in the alloy structure occurred in far advance of specimen’s fracture. Stress-strain curves were deviated from empirical σ=Aεn law from ε=0.2%, and a maximum stress was attained at about ε=1% or more, further, the stress was decreased with an increase of strain until fracture. With micro-structure changes, density, hardness, coercive force and poisson’s ratio were changed. Phase transformation of the cobalt phase was detected. Specimen’s fracture was caused by boundary fracture of the WC phase irrespective of grain size and cobalt content in the alloy.
