Effect of Cu and CeO2 additives on structure and performance of WC-10Co cemented carbides

WC-10Co cemented carbide containing CeO2 and Cu additives was prepared by powder metallurgy. The effect of Cu and CeO2 additives on microstructure and performances of WC-10Co cemented carbide was studied by XRD, SEM, EDS, Vickers hardness tester, and wear-test machines. Compared to WC-10Co-0.4CeO2, the average grain size of WC-10Co-0.4CeO2–0.4Cu decreased from 410 ± 12 to 360 ± 8 nm. The hardness and fracture toughness of WC-10Co-0.4CeO2–0.4Cu increased to 1830 ± 40 HV and 11.2 ± 0.08 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The CoF, wear track width and depth of WC-10Co-0.4CeO2–0.4Cu were decreased compared to WC-10Co-0.4CeO2. Nevertheless, when the Cu content exceeded to 0.4 wt%, the average grain size was gradually increased, the hardness and fracture toughness began to decrease, and finally the wear resistance was decreased.