Characterization of Powders and Dislocation Structures in Processing of WC–Co, (W, Ti)C–Co, and TiC–Co Hardmetals

Abstract

The development of microstructure during processing of WC, (W, Ti)C, and TiC carbides alloyed with 0–15 wt-% Co has been examined. Changes that occur in carbide and carbide-cobalt powder characteristics as milling progresses are described in terms of particle size distribution and the deformation of the carbide phase. The earlier work of Almond and Roebuck concerned with microstructural features and dislocation densities in the sintered WC phase of WC–Co alloys has been largely confirmed and extended to a wider range of compositions. Dislocation structures of partly and fully sintered hard-metals are related to processing histories and comparisons are drawn between the types of substructure observed in hardmetals based on different carbides. PM/0298