Characterization of quasi-plastic deformation of WC–Co composite using Hertzian indentation technique

Using the Hertzian indentation technique, the evolution of the WC–Co composite from plastic deformation to final fracture was studied. Loaded with a spherical indenter, the material underwent initial elastic, elastic–plastic, and fully plastic deformations, finally ended with macrocracks, namely cone cracks and radial cracks. The behaviors of both WC grains and cobalt binder phase during each step of the deformation process was studied including the slip of WC grains, the formation of microcracks, the apparent strain hardening of the WC–Co composite, and the evolution from quasi-plastic deformation to the formation of macro-rings cracks and radial cracks. The correlation between microcracks and the quasi-plastic deformation, apparent strain hardening, and macrocracks are examined.