Some Properties of Sintered WC-(Fe-Cr-C) Alloys

Abstract

A high chromium cast iron (Fe-27Cr-3.1C) was applied to a binder of WC base cemented carbide because of its superior wear, corrosion and oxidation resistances, and some properties of the sintered WC-(Fe-Cr-C) alloys were investigated.
The results of this work are summarized as follows:
(1) The uniform and hard alloys were obtained by means of conventional vacuum sintering process, and these alloys were composed of WC, α-Fe and (Fe-Cr)₇C₃ phases.
(2) The hardness of this alloy was higher than that of WC-Co alloy, and highest Vicker's hardness of 2000 could be achieved.
(3) Wear resistance of this alloy was better than that of WC-Co alloy.
(4) Except in 10% HNO3, corrosion resistance of this alloy against some acids was similar to that of WC-Co alloy.
(5) Oxidation resistance of this alloy at high temperature was better than that of WC-Co alloy and was the same as that of TiC-TiN cermet.
These improved properties of this alloy will be mainly caused by a (Fe-Cr)₇C₃ phase dispersed in the binder of this alloy.