Densification of ultrafine WC–12Co cermets by Pressure Assisted Fast Electric Sintering

WC–12Co nanopowders have been densified by means of an innovative apparatus belonging to the Field Assisted Sintering Techniques (FAST), named Pressure Assisted Fast Electric Sintering (PAFES). The technique allows to control the electrical parameters in terms of waveforms and frequencies of the applied currents. By means of AC currents different sintering cycles for the consolidation of cemented carbides have been investigated and optimised. The effect of the different sintering cycles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the final bulks has been analysed. Fully dense WC–12Co has been obtained, characterised by ultrafine grained microstructure and very high hardness combined with good fracture toughness values.