METALLI DURI SINTERIZZATI

Spinodally-decomposing mixed crystals of vanadium and niobium carbides, optionally including one or more carbides of titanium and other metals of Group Va 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 possibly include carbonitrides and are preferably made by a 2-stage process, mixed crystal material comprising vanadium and niobium 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.