On the Formation of Intercarbide and Interface Surfaces in WC–Co Cemented Carbides. Review

Based on the analysis of published studies, thermodynamic functions describing the processes of the formation of intercarbide and interface surfaces during the solid- and liquid-phase sintering of WC–Co cemented carbides. At present a certain progress in studies of the structure and composition of intercarbide WC/WC and interface WC/Co surfaces is attained, the technologies are developed that allow affecting the composition and structure of these surfaces. It is noted that the composition and structure of intercarbide and interface surfaces (Ti, W, Ta)C–WC–Co and (Ti, W, Nb)C–WC–Co of cemented carbides are not adequately investigated. The studies on the influence of the composition and structure of intercarbide and interface surfaces on physico-mechanical properties of cemented carbides and their operational characteristics remained urgent.