Insight into the microstructure and properties of Ni–WC composite through vacuum induction melting (VIM): The effects of thermal damage behaviour of cast WC controlled by VIM temperature.

Ni–tungsten carbide (WC) composites were prepared using cast WC as hard particles. In this study, the thermal damage behaviour of cast WC particles and its effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni–WC composites were investigated. Results show that cast WC particles undergo edge dissolution and particle disintegration at 1600 °C and 1800 °C, respectively. The degree of thermal damage to cast WC particles increases from 30.55% to 48.84% when the melting temperature increases from 1600 °C to 1800 °C. In this process, the Ni-based melt gradually erodes the cast WC particles from the edge towards the centre. This leads to severe dissolution of the W 2 C phase, while the WC phase only dissolves partially. Notably, the degree of thermal damage to cast WC directly correlates with the W content in the melt. An increase in the W content enhances the volume fraction and nano-hardness of the M 23 (B, C) 6 compound, improving the wear resistance of the composites. • Elevated temperature rises thermal damage degree of cast WC particle. • Ni-based melt invades from particle edge towards its center during thermal damage process. • High nano-hardness and volume-fraction of block-like M 23 (B,C) 6 compound • Thermal damage behaviour improves wear resistance of composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]