Effect of WC Contents on Microstructure and Properties of Steel-Bonded Cemented Carbide

WC steel-bonded cemented carbides were prepared by microwave sintering through ball milling, press forming and sintering with iron powders as the matrix, WC particles as the reinforcements. The effect of WC contents on microstructure and properties of steel-bonded cemented carbide was studied. The results show that the steel-bonded cemented carbide sintered at 1280 °C is considered as a liquid phase sintering and Fe7W6, Fe2W2C and Fe6W6C new phases are generated during the sintering process. The relative density, microhardness and bending strength of the steel-bonded cemented carbide increase with increasing the WC contents. Moreover, the mechanical properties of steel-bonded cemented carbide are obviously improved after heat treatment.