Microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline WC–12Co consolidated by spark plasma sintering

Cemented carbide powders based on WC–12Co with a grain size of 40–250 nm were generated by high-energy ball milling. The powders with different extents of VC and (VC + Cr3C2) addition were consolidated to full density by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The density, microstructure, grain size and fracture toughness KIc of the SPS consolidated samples were measured and compared with samples made by liquid phase sintering. Dense samples with a pore rating