Effect of (Cr0.8V0.2)2(C,N) addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of WC–8Co cemented carbides

Abstract In this work, to inhibit the growth of WC grains during sintering, (Cr 0.8 V 0.2 ) 2 (C,N) solid solution powders were firstly used as inhibitor. The effects of (Cr 0.8 V 0.2 ) 2 (C,N) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC–8wt%Co cemented carbides were systemically investigated. Microstructural analysis revealed that the WC grain growth could be more strongly limited by the combined addition of (Cr 0.8 V 0.2 ) 2 (C,N) powder as compared with (Cr, 20 V) 3 C 2 and Cr 3 C 2 /VC additions., (Cr 0.8 V 0.2 ) 2 (C,N) also can improve the bending strength and hardness of WC–8Co cemented carbides. WC–8Co cemented carbides with 0.5 wt.% (Cr 0.8 V 0.2 ) 2 (C,N) powders have optimum mechanical properties which the bending strength, hardness and toughness are 3800 MPa,1690 HV 30 and 9.9 MPam 1/2 , respectively.