Role of tantalum in solid TiC-WC-TaC-Co alloys

Effect of tantalum on the structure and properties of three-phase alloys has been studied. Additions of tantalum carbide exert a favourable effect on mechanical-and-physical as well as on operational properties of the TiC-WC-Co alloys. The above effect manifests in an increase of bending strength under conditions of room and elevated temperatures, in growth of the total deformation and deformation work at increased temperatures, in a decrease of oxidability and adhesion interaction with the material under treatment, in a considerable strengthening of wear resistance during cutting