Three-dimensional morphology of (W,V)Cx in VC-doped WC–Co hard metals

The actual three-dimensional morphology of WC grains and grain growth inhibitors ((W,V)Cx) on the grains are determined for VC-doped WC–Co hard metals. WC grains have a triangular prismatic shape with atomically sharp corners, and some trapezoidal prisms are formed on each prismatic plane. The plan view chemical mapping of a trapezoidal prism has revealed that (W,V)Cx phases form hemisphere shapes with some planar layers. The mechanism for forming islands is discussed in terms of lattice mismatch.