Preparing nano-crystalline rare earth doped WC/Co powder by high energy ball milling

The nano-crystalline rare earth doped WC/Co powder was prepared by high energy ball milling. The nano-crystalline powders were characterized by means of XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope) and DTA (differential thermal analysis). The results show that adding trace rare earth elements into carbides is effective to minish the grain size of WC/Co powder. The grain size of rare earth doped powder became two times smaller as compared with the undoped powder within ball milling times of 25-45 h. The XRD peak of Co phase disappeared after 25 h ball milling. A sharp peak of heat release at the temperature of 597 degrees C was emerged in DTA curve within the range of heating temperature. After consolidated the rare earth doped WC/Co alloy by high energy ball milling exhibits ultra-fine grain sizes and better mechanical properties. (C) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.