Tungsten carbide based composite material, the appropriate method of production and application

Description of the technology

A group of researchers has developed a tungsten carbide (WC) based composite with iron-rich binders, using new technologies. The invention aims to obtain composites presenting a phase composition after sintering, such as, apart from the WC and the metallic binder phase, there are substantial amounts of eta carbide phase dispersed in the matrix. The advantages of the applied technology to the production of those composites are mainly reflected on a significant increment of the mechanical properties, particularly toughness, comparatively with other carbide based composites available in the market. The university is looking for companies of powder metallurgy industry interested in these technologies, namely the hardmetal industry.

Specifications

The invention describes a method to obtain a composite material which comprises the following steps: - Process to modify the powder surfaces through chemical and physical coating technologies; -Uniaxial and/or isostatic pressing of the coated powders; - Sintering in vacuum or inert atmospheres.

Main advantages of its use

• The present invention has the following advantages over the existing technologies:to obtain WC-based composites with toughness values between 30 to 35% higher than the corresponding degrees of WC-Co composites, maintaining the hardness values, and superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion;
• the possibility to enlarge the range of applications of hardmetals, such as in cutting and drilling tools subjected to particularly high efforts even in corrosive environments.
• to apply new binders, namely iron rich binders, which results in economic and environmental moderations;

Applications

• The obtained composite, containing phases of WC + eta phase+ metallic binder can be applied in tools or other components whenever high toughness, hardness and corrosion/oxidation resistance are required, such as drill bits, dies, punches and seals for the oil industry, mining, etc.