Affiliation:
1. Botswana International University of Science & Technology
2. University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Abstract
This paper is aimed at investigating the mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered alumina (Al2O3) reinforced with tungsten-carbide-cobalt (WC-12wt%Co). Pure Al2O3 and admixed-Al2O3 powders were sintered using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at a temperature of 1800°C, heating and cooling rates of 100 °C/min and 200 °C/min, a pressure of 48 MPa in an argon atmosphere. The density, hardness (HV) and indentation fracture toughness (KIC) of the sintered samples were measured and compared. Between 9 and 17% increase was observed in the HV values of the additives, while the KIC value recorded an increase between 17 and 63% for all the additive as compared to pure Al. Phase analysis and identification was carried out with X-ray diffraction and microstructure was taken with scanning electron microscope. The results obtained showed the samples potential for cutting tool applications.
Publisher
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Subject
Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials,Condensed Matter Physics,General Materials Science
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