The Effect of Spark Plasma Sintering Thermal Cycle on Behaviour of Fe-Based Hardfacings Reinforced with WC and WC-Based Hardmetal

Abstract

The effect of composite materials reinforcement by hardmetal with various size of particles (WC 710-1000 μm, recycled WC-Co 710-800 μm and pure WC 10 μm) with Fe-based matrix thermally affected by spark plasma sintering (SPS) method at temperatures 1100°C, 1200°C and 1280°C was studied. The analysis of samples cross-section was performed with SEM and EDS to illustrate distribution of elements after thermal influence. The aim of this research was an investigation of diffusion process behaviour between Fe-based matrix and WC and WC based hardmetal particles at various temperatures. Results help to identify and understand melting and solidification of grains affected at high temperature. Similar temperatures are used for surfacing and repair of worn parts and recycled tungsten carbide particles (as reinforcement) could be used during manual or plasma transferred arc welding.