Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of WC–10Co, WC–10Ni and WC–10Fe hard materials produced by high-frequency induction heated sintering

The comparison of sintering behavior and mechanical properties of WC–10 wt.%Co, WC–10 wt.%Ni and WC–10 wt.%Fe hard materials produced by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) method was accomplished using ultra-fine powder of WC and binders (Co, Ni, Fe). The advantage of this process allows very quick densification to near theoretical density and prohibition of grain growth in nano-structured materials. Highly dense WC–10Co, WC–10Ni and WC–10Fe with a relative density of up to 99% could be obtained with simultaneous application of 60 MPa pressure and induced current within 1 min without significant change in grain size. The hardness and fracture toughness of the dense WC–10Co, WC–10Ni and WC–10Fe composites produced by HFIHS were investigated.