Effects of Cr₃C₂, TaC, Re, and Ru Additives on Microstructure and Properties of WC-10Co

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of different additives Cr₃C₂, TaC, Re, and Ru on the microstructure and properties of WC-10Co cemented carbide were studied. 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC, 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC+1%Re, 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC+0.5%Ru were added to WC+10%Co fine crystal cemented carbide, and after ball milling for 60 h, sintered at 1410°C under argon atmosphere, The Rockwell hardness and transverse fracture strength of the alloy are increased, but the fracture toughness of the alloy is decreased by 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC. The introduction of 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC+1%Re or 0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC+0.5%Ru can make the cemented carbide have high fracture toughness while maintaining high hardness and strength. The alloy containing WC+10%Co+0.5%Cr₃C₂+1%TaC+0.5%Ru has a hardness of 91.8HRA, a TRS of 3962 MPa, and a fracture toughness of 14.7 Mpa·m^1/2, and the comprehensive mechanical properties are the best.