A new method for obtaining submicron hard alloys based on sintered tungsten carbide with cobalt by joint low-temperature carbothermic synthesis in vacuum has been developed. The compositions of the initial components for the synthesis of powders of the composition WC-6%Co and WC-10%Co are calculated. The main component for the synthesis of submicron tungsten carbide powders is tungsten oxide WO2.9, obtained by reducing α-tungsten oxide WO3 in a hydrogen medium at a temperature of 500-550 °C. The powders obtained by synthesis are characterized by high hardness values (up to 94 HRA). Cutting tests of replaceable polyhedral plates made from the obtained powders for processing a heat-resistant alloy have shown satisfactory results. The microstructure of the alloys was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.

In this paper, we report on obtaining dense samples of composites in the WC/ZrO2(Y2O3) system with a nanoscale microstructure by the SPS method. A complete assessment of their properties, including cutting properties, was carried out. Microstructural characterization of the final samples was conducted using SEM.