Effect of Cu, Ni on the property and microstructure of ultrafine WC-10Co alloys by sinter-hipping

Sub-micron size (0.4-0.6 μm) Co-Cu/Ni composite powders were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The effects of minor Cu and Ni additions on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of ultrafine WC-10Co alloys were investigated using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties tests. The results show that Co-Cu binder phase refines the WC grains and increases the hardness of the base alloys. But the addition of Ni can't refine the WC grains and increase the hardness. The addition of minor Cu or Ni can improve transverse rupture strength of alloys through the solid solution strengthening. However, adding excess Cu can lead to the decrease in transverse rupture strength. With the partial substitution of Co by Cu and Ni, the hardness and transverse rupture strength of the alloys have a little change.