Case studies

Alternative Ni-based cemented carbide binder – Hardness characterization by nano-indentation and focused ion beam

• Experimental investigation of the binder hardness in alternative WC-Ni cemented carbide systems
• Consideration of the 3D binder morphology exposing the indents with focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sections
• Investigation of the confinement effect on the soft binder phase by the surrounding WC hard phase

Microstructure, grain size distribution and grain shape in WC–Co alloys sintered at different carbon activities

• We investigate the effect of carbon activity on the coarsening of WC and the final microstructure after sintering.
• The average WC grain size increases with increasing carbon activity during sintering.
• A widening of the homogeneous size distribution with increasing carbon activity was indicated.
• A shape change of WC grains was seen with triangular shapes with planar surface structures at a higher carbon activity.