Abstract
High carbon WC-(10, 20)mass%Co micro-grained alloys containing no Cr3C2 or 5.0 mass%Cr3C2 in binder, were prepared by solid-phase sintering, that is, vacuum sintering at 1473-1553K and then HIP-treatment at 1523 K. Some properties such as microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. It was found that the alloys prepared by solid-phase sintering, for instance, sintering at 1523K for 10.8ks and then HIP-treatment, reached full density and showed excellent mechanical properties. As to the transverse-rupture strength, the alloys, having grain size of 0.5-0.6 μm, exhibited the value so high as about 3.5 GPa or more, independent of binder content or Cr3C2 addition. It was noted that WC grains recrystallized during solid-phase sintering.
