Development of a thermodynamic database for cemented carbides for design and processing simulations

Carbonitrides have a wide range of applications in demanding conditions that require high-temperature resistance, hardness, and strength. The technique to manufacture high-quality products based on such materials, e.g., cemented carbides, has been developed over the years. The experience of the well-known thermodynamic databases for steels has shown possibilities to improve material properties by calculations. Following the CALPHAD approach and using the PARROT module of the Thermo-Calc software, the development of a new database for cemented carbides containing Co-W-Ti-Ta-Nb-C-N has started. The stepwise creation of the database from experimental and theoretical information is presented. To illustrate the usefulness of the new database, some material processing predictions will be calculated.