Ultrasonic and hardness measurements for ultrahigh pressure prepared WB ceramics

Abstract The Vickers hardness of pressure synthesized WB compacts was measured using a diamond indentation method. Under the applied load of 4.9 N, our test gave a maximum Vickers hardness of 30.1 GPa for WB compacts. The hardness of WC-8 wt.% Co composites was also measured under the same load for comparison, which was found to be much lower than that of WB. The Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus of WB and WC-8 wt.% Co were further investigated by ultrasonic measurements. The results suggest that WB might be a promising hard alloy material for industrial applications.