Abstract

WC-6wt%Co hard metal powders were sintered by a 2.45 GHz multimode microwave applicator in Ar atmosphere. Microwave sintering of WC-6wt%Co powder lowered the sintering temperature and shortened the processing time in less than two hours than by a conventional method. Microstructures of the sintered specimen were studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and no abnormal grain growth was observed. Mechanical properties were similar to the values of the specimens sintered by a conventional method. Specimen sintered at 1350°C for 30 minutes ,hewed 99%, 20.5 GPa and 8.1 MPasqrtm of theoretical density, hardness and fracture strength, respectively.

• Keywords: WC-Co powder;Microwave processing;Hybrid heating;