Enhanced mechanical properties and consolidation of the ultra-fine WC–Al2O3 composites using pulsed current activated heating

The rapid sintering of ultra-fine WC-Al2O3 composites in a short time was investigated with a focus on the mechanical properties and consolidation using pulsed current activated sintering. The advantage of this process is that it allows very quick densification to near theoretical density and prohibition of grain growth in nanomaterials. The addition of Al2O3 to WC can facilitate consolidation and improve mechanical properties. The hardness and fracture toughness of WC-Al2O3 composites outperform those of monolithic Al2O3. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.