Effect of Cr 3 C 2 and VC on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of Sintered WC-10wt%Co Nano Powders

Abstract

The effect of addition of metallic carbides Cr3C2 and Cr3C2 + VC on structure and mechanical properties of WC-%10wt Co nanocomposites have been studied. After preparing and compacting of the powders under pressure of 200 MPa, the samples were sintered at temperatures of 1370˚C, 1410˚C and 1450˚C for 1 hour. Microstructural examinations by SEM show that the average grain size obtained for Cr3C2 + VC added alloys reduced 50 percent and also grain size distribu- tion was narrower compared to those samples without grain growth inhibitors. Furthermore, co-addition of Cr3C2 and VC rise to a higher Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the sintered alloys at 1410˚C.