METALLI DURI SINTERIZZATI EPROCEDIMENTO PER LA LORO PRODUZIONE

PCT No. PCT/GB81/00036 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 17, 1981 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 17, 1981 PCT Filed Mar. 4, 1981 PCT Pub. No. WO81/02588 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 17, 1984.Spinodally-decomposing mixed crystals of zirconium and titanium carbides, possibly including carbonitrides and optionally including one or more carbides of metals of Group Vb of the Periodic Table of the Elements, are used in making sintered hardmetals based on tungsten carbide. One or more iron group metals or alloys, preferably cobalt or a nickel alloy, is or are used as a binder. The sintered hardmetals are made by a 2-stage process, mixed crystal material comprising zirconium and titanium carbides being formed in the first stage and being combined with the binder and tungsten carbide in the second stage. Process variations which encourage spinodal decomposition of the mixed crystal material are also disclosed.