Relation between structural parameters and mechanical properties of heat-treated WC-Co alloys

We have quenched hard alloys from temperatures above 1,300 K. Such a thermal treatment enhances both strength and workability. On the one hand, this can be attributed to an increased content of solute tungsten and carbon in cobalt after thermal treatment which improves the strength of the matrix. On the other hand, this process reduces the number Nsub(k) of contact points and the contact percentage Csub(WC-WC) of adjacent carbide grains which enhances the workability. (author)