Tribological behaviour of different formulations of WC composites

WC-based composites are extremely resistant to wear and corrosion; they are used in numerous mechanical applications (e.g., pumps, valves, mechanical seals, flow control technology, etc.). They are generally produced by sintering tungsten carbide with a metal binder (cobalt is the most common). However, Co is part of the 2017 list of 27 critical raw materials with a high supply-risk and economic importance to which reliable and unhindered access is a concern for European industry and value chains. This paper aims at the mechanical and tribological characterization, by reciprocating sliding wear experiments and scratch tests, of new and innovative cemented carbide grades that contribute to the reduction/substitution of critical materials like the Co binder. It was found that Co plays an important role in the wear behaviour of hardmetals. On the other hand, the composites developed present wear rates close (although higher) to WC-Co, constituting valid alternatives for wear parts.