Joint Low-Temperature Carbothermic Synthesis of WC-Co Alloy in Vacuum

Abstract

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.