Comparison of Mechanical and Metallurgical Properties of Microstructure's with nano-structure's WC-9Co-0.7VC Composite for Cutting Tools Production

WC-Co composite which is named hardmetal and has widespread application in excavation industry, usage of these composites with nano-structure, is concerned recent years. In this research, WC-9Co-0.7VC composite in two cases, microstructure and nanostructure, was made by rapid hot pressing process, and then their metallographic inspection and mechanical properties were compared with each other. Mechanical properties in micro-hardmetal and nano-hardmetal; such as, density, hardness, fracture toughness and transverse rupture strength were measured. Approximately, in all properties, nano-hardmetal had better results than micro-hardmetal.The microstructure of samples was checked out by using of scanning electron microscope. It seems that nanometer WC grains leads to this upgrade. In measurements, it turned out that, hardness and transverse rupture strength increased %33 and %21, respectively. Due to the application of this composite in oil and gas well drilling, nano-structures can improve function and working life of these tools.