Sintering Mechanisms of Functionally Graded Cemented Carbides

Abstract

Functionally graded cemented carbides of two types are described. The functionally graded cemented carbides of the first type are of the WC-Co system and comprise gradients of WC grain sizes and/or Co contents. The functionally graded cemented carbides of the second type are Ti-and N-containing cemented carbides comprising gradients of nitrogen, cobalt and Ti-based cubic carbides. Special features and applications of the functionally graded cemented carbides of the both types are presented. Sintering mechanisms explaining the gradient formation in the functionally graded cemented carbides of the both types are summarized.