The Comparison between Boron Carbide (B4C) with other Common Inhibitors on Physical and Mechanical Properties of WC/Co

The hardness, toughness and sum of cracks measurement of fine-grained WC-Co hard metals were studied. Thirty commercial and experimental hard metal grades with different additives such as boron carbide (B4C), vanadium carbide (VC), chromium carbide (Cr3C2) and silicon carbide (SiC) were prepared in a commercial sinter HIP furnace. Physical, mechanical and microstructure properties were investigated to build up a representative hardness/sum of cracks measurement band. This band was then used to estimate the most effective sintering temperature and the amount of each additives. Afterwards, influence of grain growth inhibitors in optimum condition were compared. The results showed that the grades, doped with B4C and VC as growth inhibitor exhibits more hardness than other comparable doped alloys. However, Cr3C2 is favorable in toughness improvement.