Cobalt oxide as a raw material for the production of WC-Co cemented carbides and its advantages for the pressing process. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasquazzi, Alan; Schubert, Wolf-Dieter; Weißenbacher, Ronald; Schachinger, Petra
• Is Part Of: International journal of refractory metals & hard materials. Volume 72(2018)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: WC-Co3O4 cemented carbide -- Cobalt oxide cemented carbide -- Compressibility WC-Co-Co3O4; Heat resistant alloys -- Periodicals; Refractory materials -- Periodicals; Metallography -- Periodicals; Alliages réfractaires -- Périodiques; Matériaux réfractaires -- Périodiques; Métallographie -- Périodiques; Heat resistant alloys; Metallography; Refractory materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 669.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2017.12.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-4368

Abstract

Abstract: In general the cemented carbide industry uses cobalt as a raw material for the production of WC-Co cemented carbide. However the here presented publication shows that even if 100% of the cobalt of the cemented carbide is replaced with Co3 O4 prior sintering, dense WC-Co cemented carbide can be achieved when the sintering program contains a hydrogen treatment. The point of the matter when using a cemented carbide powder which contains cobalt oxide (WC-Co3 O4 ) are the huge differences in the compressibility compared to a conventional powder (WC-Co). Depending on the ratio of cobalt and cobalt oxide in the cemented carbide composition the compressibility of the powder/granule can be adjusted in a wide range. This opens up the possibility to produce different cemented carbide grades with an identical compressibility. As a consequence costs for additional pressing tools can be saved. Highlights: If replacing the whole cobalt of the cemented carbide with Co3 O4 prior sintering, dense cemented carbides can be achieved. Depending on the ratio of cobalt and cobalt oxide in the cemented carbide composition the compressibility of a granule can be adjusted in a wide range. Cemented carbides with Co3 O4 instead of Co show the same performance in cutting applications.