Oxidation Behavior of Tungsten Carbide-6% Cobalt Cemented Carbide

This paper examines the oxidation behavior of annular tungsten carbide-6% cobalt binder samples, after exposure to air furnace temperatures in the range 500–1100 °C. An unreacted shrinking core model is supported by evidence of surface reactions on the OD surface. However, significant changes are noted on the ID surface of the annulus, indicating a change in oxidation mechanism. Oxidation products and oxide structure become more complex with increasing temperature. These phenomena are explored in terms of oxide formation, oxidation rate, and exposure temperature.