Microstructure and Properties of Ultrafine Cemented Carbides Prepared by Microwave Sintering of Nanocomposites

Ultrafine cemented carbides were prepared by microwave sintering, using WC-V8C7-Cr3C2-Co nanocomposites as a raw material. The effects of sintering temperature and holding time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cemented carbides were studied. The results show that the ultrafine cemented carbides prepared at 1300 °C for 60 min have good mechanical properties and a good microstructure. The relative density, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness of the specimen reach the maximum values of 99.79%, 1842 kg/mm2 and 12.6 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Tungsten carbide (WC) grains are fine and uniformly distributed, with an average grain size of 300–500 nm. The combination of nanocomposites, secondary pressing, and microwave sintering can significantly reduce the sintering temperature and inhibit the growth of WC grains, thus producing superfine cemented carbides with good microstructure and mechanical properties.