DefinePK

Abstract

Cemented carbide (WC-Co) is a composite material consisting of a tungsten carbide (WC) embedded in a cobalt (Co) binder. The hard metal is known for its high hardness, superior toughness and high wear resistance in various applications. This study focused on the effects of sintering parameters of cemented carbide on its properties such as hardness, wear resistance, density, porosity and microstructure. The samples were fabricated through metal injection molding process with palm stearin and polyethylene binder system. The powder loading used was 63% volume and the binders had been removed under 2 stage debinding process without causing any defects onto the samples. The samples were sintered in different sintering temperatures and holding time which are 1400°C with 30 minutes, 1400°C with 60 minutes, 1400°C with 90 minutes, 1450°C with 30 minutes, 1500°C with 30 minutes and 1550°C with 30 minutes respectively. The results show that there are changes in microstructure on the surface of the material and found that abrasive wear resistance is proportional to the hardness of the material. The changes in the density, porosity and the grains growth size also show significant changes and are further discussed.