Binderless tungsten carbide carbon control with pressureless sintering

Binderless tungsten carbide material systems can achieve properties which make them ideal for use within highly abrasive wear environments, though carbon control is essential for reaching maximum density and performance levels when sintered in the absence of applied pressure. Introducing WO3 and W additives coupled with controlled thermal processing cycles provides a means to moderate the excess carbon introduced coincident with greenware forming methods required for practical shaping. With sintering temperatures of 1700 °C, controlled final stoichiometry and hardnesses up to 2700 kg/mm2 are demonstrated.