Effect of CrC-Ni on the tribological behaviour of WC cemented carbide.

Tungsten carbide (WC) is extensively used in industrial processing as cutting tools, wear resistant components and drilling tools owing to the good combination of phenomenal properties. The binder phase of WC is usually cobalt (Co) as a result of good wetting behaviour and excellent solubility with regards to WC particles. However, degradation of WC-Co components when subjected to harsh environmental conditions often results in premature failures during application. In this study, the effect of CrC-Ni on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of WC based cermet produced by spark plasma sintering was investigated. Sintered samples were then analysed and characterized by SEM and EDS. Macro hardness of the sintered compacts were evaluated using Rockwell hardness machine at 150kg load. Subsequently, comparative studies on the tribological behaviour of the experimental samples were performed using a reciprocating wear set up at 200°C. The area of the wear track cross-section was measured using optical profiler and the wear rate in terms of volume loss was calculated. Results showed improved mechanical and tribological properties on WC-20CrC-7Ni sample as compared to WC-Co cemented carbide sample.