Gradient zones in WC–Ti(C,N)–Co-based cemented carbides: experimental study and computer simulations Original Research Article

The formation of surface zones with a composition gradient during sintering of WC–Ti(C,N)–Co cemented carbides has been studied experimentally and by computer simulations. The microstructure has been investigated with SEM and EPMA. The simulations are based on a solution of the multicomponent diffusion equations, coupled with thermodynamic calculations using thermodynamic descriptions of the individual phases. The results from the simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results, indicating that diffusion and the thermodynamic properties are the two major factors that control the gradient structure formation.