EBSD examination of worn WC/Co hardmetal surfaces

This study examines the feasibility of using electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) as a way of examining the plastic deformation near to wear damage on the surface of a WC/Co hardmetal. Samples were scratched in micro-scratch tests to simulate the type of contact that would occur in abrasion. It was found that EBSD gave clear information that could be correlated with the degree of plastic deformation and cracking in the worn areas as observed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. The implications of these measurements for the wear of WC/Co hardmetals, and the use of EBSD as a generic technique for the evaluation of damage in the surface layers of worn materials are discussed.