Surface modification technologies for enhancing the tribological properties of cemented carbides: A review

Cemented carbide has comprehensive properties such as high hardness and good toughness, and it is a high-quality solution for wear-resistant applications such as machining and mining. Nevertheless, the tribological performance of cemented carbide components needs to be further improved for extremely harsh working environments or high-load and high-power working conditions. Surface modification technology is one of the most effective ways to solve the wear problem of modern mechanical components. In this review, the research and development of surface modification technology, including mechanical, physical, and chemical technologies, for cemented carbides are reviewed comprehensively. Moreover, the definition, mechanism, and effect of various technologies are introduced, and different technologies are compared. Finally, the future development of surface modification is described.