Study of the mechanical properties of TiCN–WC–CO hardmetals by the interpretation of internal friction spectra

TiCN–WC–Mo–Co mixed carbide hardmetals have an interesting application potential for cutting tool fabrication combining the high toughness of WC–Co with the resistance to plastic deformation of TiCN–Co cermets. Mechanical spectroscopy (MS) is used in order to separate the effects of the constituents on the mechanical properties. Internal friction (IF) spectra are measured in a torsion pendulum on WC–TiCN–Mo–Co samples where TiCN/WC ratio is varied as well as the Co content. Six components of the characteristic IF spectrum of WC–TiCN–Mo–Co have been identified and interpreted. Two peaks are located in the cobalt, two peaks in the TiCN phase and two peaks in the ceramic grain boundaries. Four temperature domains are defined depending on the mechanical behaviour: brittle (I), anelastic (IIa), limited plasticity (IIb) and extended plasticity (III). The anelastic domain is characterized by the bulk deformation of cobalt. In the limited plasticity domain, both cobalt and TiCN are deformed by dislocation movement. The high temperature extended plasticity should be attributed to grain boundary sliding in the ceramic phase (mainly WC) enhanced by cobalt diffusion in the grain boundaries.