Microstructures and properties of WC–10Co tuned by Ru integration and ball-milling

Here, the effects of Ru and ball-milling on the mechanical properties of WC–10Co-cemented carbide were investigated using systematic characterisation and microstructure analysis. It was found that with an increase in the Ru content, the WC grain morphology and grain size did not change; however, the values of density and coercivity, Co magnetism, hardness, and fracture toughness of cemented carbide were changed. When the Ru content was 4%, compared with the alloy without Ru, the toughness increased from 16.8 to 24.2 (MPa. m1/2) and the hardness increased from 1290 to 1330 (HV30). Meanwhile, the analysis of the mixing process shows that the optimal ball-milling time is determined by the performance combination of the obtained alloy.