Observation of Flaky Structures in WC-β_t-Co Alloy

Abstract

It was previously reported by the present authors that flaky structures consisting of βt often appeared and acted as fracture sources in WC-βt-Co alloy, the structures being caused by the agglomerated flaky powder formed during ball-milling. The mechanism why the flaky structures developed during sintering was studied. It was suggested that the flaky structures were formed, as the result of different kinds of massflows such as liquid flow, and solution and precipitation of WC and βt particles, taking place in or near the region of flaky powder during sintering.