Comprehensive Hard Materials Vol. 3

Abstract

Tungsten carbide (WC) and cemented carbides, which are composed of WC with a binder phase, represent crucial materials for the fabrication of hard, wear-resistant tools across a wide range of industrial applications. With advances in powder production, as well as forming and sintering processes, there has consequently been a significant improvement in obtainable density and final microstructures. Due to these factors, the cemented carbide material system has seen gains in mechanical properties that are spurring further diversification. Current manufacturing processes for producing WC and cemented carbide components are reviewed, followed by a discussion of the intrinsic properties of these materials that establish the basis for cemented carbide's unique mechanical properties. The relationship between fracture toughness, wear resistance, hardness, and strength are presented, as well as how these properties integrate into the pursuit of novel microstructures and toward efforts to satisfy increasingly demanding applications.