Effects of SiC addition on microstructure and properties of WC-6Co cemented carbide prepared by SPS

In order to further improve the comprehensive properties of WC-Co cemented carbide with low binder phase content, in this work, a series of WC-6Co cemented carbides with different SiC additions are prepared using SiC as the additive and sintered at 1400 degrees C for 5 min by Spark Plasma Sintering technology. Meanwhile, the effects of SiC content on the density, hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength of WC-Co cemented carbide are investigated by comparing the properties of the different sintered specimens. The results show that compared with the WC-6Co cemented carbide without SiC addition, the microstructure of the specimens with SiC addition has fewer pore defects and the matrix particles are refined. The properties such as density, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength of these specimens are also improved to some extent. According to the comprehensive analysis, the whole performance of the specimen is best when 10% SiC is added, and its relative density, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength increase to 98.5%, 2109 kg.mm(-2), 13.8 MPa.m(-2), and 1854 MPa, respectively.