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Abstract
Hardmetals are widely used as machining tool material whose wear resistance is of vital importance. Using coatings as the primary tool strengthening method has certain limitations. On the other hand, laser shock processing (LSP) is an emerging technology which has been applied extensively in improving the properties of materials. In this paper, WC–Co hardmetal is treated with LSP to explore a new way of tool strengthening. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope were used to observe the near-surface microstructure. Microhardness was measured and a friction-wear testing machine was used to test the friction and wear properties of the processed surface. Wear factor and friction coefficient were analyzed and optical microscope and SEM were applied to observre the morphologies of wear tracks. Results show that LSP gives rise to grain refinement and the dislocation density is augmented, thus increasing the surface hardness and improving the friction and wear behavior.