Microstructural evolution and its correlation with hardening of WC-Ni cemented carbides irradiated by high-intensity pulsed ion beam

► WC-Ni cemented carbides were surface hardened by high-intensity pulsed ion beam irradiation. ► Changes in morphology, composition and phase were irradiation parameter-controllable. ► Hardening was explained in accordance with the microstructural evolution. ► Remelting densification and binder selective ablation significantly contribute to hardening. ► Metastable phase formation is realized under non-equilibrium conditions by pulsed irradiation.