Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of WC–6CO cemented carbide prepared via SPS: incorporation of YSZ as a reinforcer

WC–Co based alloys are widely applied cemented carbide materials due to unique and outstanding properties. In this study, a series of WC–6Co cemented carbides are quickly prepared via SPS and the effects of Zr(2)O(3)-7 wt% Y(2)O(3)(YSZ) on the properties of the as-prepared samples are also investigated. The results show that with the increase of the YSZ amount, the density, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the samples were particularly improved to a certain extent, but the Vickers hardness was slightly reduced. Combined with the evolution of microstructure and analysis of property changes, it can be speculated that the mechanism of YSZ additive promoting sintering can be attributed to the formation of solid solution and subsequent activation sintering process. Consequently, YSZ was preliminarily proved to be a potential enhancer for the WC–Co based cemented carbides.