Densification and Microstructure Development in Zirconia Toughened Hardmetals

Different process methods and parameters together with different amount of additives were used to fabricate WC-Ni-ZrO2 hardmetals with mechanical properties aiming at improved performance under erosive wear. XRD observation showed the presence of tetragonal zirconia in the cermet matrix after processing. The best erosion resistance with erosion rate of about 0.7 mm3/kg was demonstrated by the specimen produced either by vacuum sintering or SPS and added by 0.2 wt% of free carbon. This cermet has also demonstrated the highest hardness of 17.7 GPa.