Ultra-coarse cemented tungsten carbide with (Zr,W)Cx precipitates in ceramic phase

Ultra-coarse WC-Co cemented carbides with precipitated (Zr,W)Cx particles in ceramic phase were prepared, and their compression behavior and mechanical properties at different temperatures were studied. It was found that the (Zr,W)Cx precipitates had a coherent or semi-coherent interfacial relationship with the WC matrix. These precipitates strengthened the ultra-coarse WC grains through interactions between WC dislocations and (Zr,W)Cx particles. This strengthening effect is especially important to the ultra-coarse cemented carbides at high temperatures, leading to an increased strength compared to their counterpart under same testing conditions.