Formation of (W,V)C layers at the WC/Co interfaces in the VC-doped WC–Co cemented carbide

Abstract The (W,V)Cx thin layers at the WC/Co interfaces in the oil-quenched WC–12mass%Co–0.5mass%VC hard metal were investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The (W,V)Cx thin layers are formed on the liquid phase sintering state, because they are observed on the micro-facets and some of them are included inside the WC grains. The grain growth rate strongly depends on whether the thickness of the (W,V)Cx layers is more than one layer or less during liquid-phase sintering.