Tungsten carbide pseudoalloys and their potential applications

An investigation was carried out into the effect of composition on the structure and some properties of pseudoalloys based on tungsten carbide. It was established that Group VIII elements and oxides increase the short-time hot hardness. and oxidation resistance of WC-Cu composites in the temperature range 300–800°C. Pseudoalloys based on tungsten carbide possess adequate ductility: Their tough-to-brittle transition occurs at subzero temperatures. The loss of ductility exhibited by the pseudoalloys is due to the low strength of their phase boundaries and tungsten carbide grain boundaries in agglomerates. Electrodes made in these pseudoalloys have excellent processing properties and long life in contact welding, and may be recommended for extensive trials under larger-series production conditions.