Rapid sintering of ultrafine WC–Ni cermets

Using high-frequency induction-heated sintering (HFIHS), cermets of WC–xNi (x = 8, 10, and 12 wt.%) were consolidated to a density of about 98%. The sintered samples had WC grain size of 300 nm. The hardness was significantly higher than that obtained with conventionally sintered WC–Co and WC–Ni cermets without a reduction in fracture toughness.