Effect of Carbon Addition on Microstructure and Properties of WC-Co Cemented Carbides

Based on a unique method to synthesize WC-Co composite powder by in-situ reactions of metal oxides and carbon, the effects of the carbon addition in the initial powders on the phase constitution, microstructure and mechanical properties of the cemented carbides were investigated. It is found that with a suitable carbon addition the pure phase constitution can be obtained in the sintered bulk from the composite powder. The mechanical properties of the cemented carbides depend on the phase constitution and the WC grain structure. To obtain the excellent properties of the WC-Co bulk, it is important to obtain the pure phase constitution from the appropriate carbon addition in the initial powders and a suitable grain size.