Preparation and characterization of composite WC / Co through rapid omnidirectional compaction

In the present work, the rapid omnidirectional compaction (ROC) approach was used as a quasi hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process to reduce the duration and cost of products and achieve better financial results. Tungsten carbide was the main constituent and cobalt as the binder. The effects of pressure, temperature, and pressing time on the mechanical properties of WC-27% Co were examined. The density and hardness were calculated with the aid of the Archimedes method, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Vickers hardness tests. The application of low temperature and pressure resulted components with relatively high density of about 96% with 596 HV30 hardness. However, the whole process and consequently the production of samples took place in a concise time and led to the production of near net shape specimens. The evaluation of the density profile and the distribution of pores indicated that isostatic compression has taken place. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.