An in situ WC–Ni composite fabricated by the SHS method

Cemented carbide composites, cermets, are usually produced by the powder metallurgy technique. The present paper attempts to introduce a new fabrication technique which has been used to produce a WC–Ni cemented carbide cutting tool. In this technique, SHS and liquid phase sintering processes have been utilized simultaneously to produce a net shape WC–Ni composite, in which WC particulates are formed in situ from a reacting mixture of W and C powder. It was found that both the transverse rupture strength (TRS) and hardness of the specimens increased with increasing carbon content up to a value of 6.20 wt.%, whereas further addition of carbon caused a decrease in these properties. This optimum carbon content is slightly above the stoichiometric composition of 6.13 wt.% in WC.