Thermally Induced Surface Integrity Changes of Ground WC-Co Hardmetals

Ground hardmetals are exposed to high temperatures during both processing (e.g. coating deposition) and use (e.g. as a cutting tool). However, studies on thermally induced changes of surface integrity are limited. Here we address this by means of FIB/FESEM and EBSD investigation, with special focus on the binder phase characterization. Our findings indicate that thermal treatment causes two main surface modifications. First, an unexpected microporosity appears in the binder within the subsurface layer when ground surfaces are heated. Second, the metallic phase underneath the ground surface experiences metallurgical changes, in terms of grain and crystallographic phase structures. The mechanisms responsible for these modifications of the binder are discussed in terms of grinding-induced and thermally-reversed phase transformation as well as recrystallization phenomena. We also note that no additional heat treatment related changes such as microcracking and carbide fragmentation in the subsurface layer, are discerned.