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Microstructure and Properties of Binderless μWC Obtained Using the Electroconsolidation Method.
Edvin Hevorkian1, Waldemar Samociuk1, Miroslaw Rucki2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 28 Głęboka St., 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Binderless tungsten carbide (WC) consolidated via electroconsolidation shows improved hardness. This advanced material exhibits promising plastic properties for contact stress applications despite lower fracture toughness compared to nanopowder WC.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Powder Metallurgy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Binderless tungsten carbide (WC) possesses superior properties but faces consolidation challenges.
- Applications are limited by difficulties in processing initial WC powders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of binderless WC.
- Compare binderless WC sintered from 100-200 nm powder with WC sintered from 70 nm nanopowder (nWC).
Main Methods:
- Electroconsolidation technique used for sintering.
- Microstructural analysis and mechanical property testing (hardness, fracture toughness).
Main Results:
- Binderless WC (μWC) achieved a hardness of 30.06 ± 0.09 GPa, 14% higher than nWC.
- μWC exhibited lower fracture toughness (KIC = 6.59 ± 0.46 MPa·m1/2) compared to nWC.
- Improved microstructure homogeneity in μWC, lacking large agglomerates found in nWC.
Conclusions:
- Binderless WC demonstrates enhanced hardness and homogeneity.
- The material shows applicability under contact stress conditions due to favorable plastic properties.
- Further research can optimize WC processing for enhanced mechanical performance.
