THERMODYNAMIC AND SINTERING STUDIES IN THE CO-W-C SYSTEM

Sintering studies of WC-11%Co samples have been performed in a dilatometer. The temperature dependence of the shrinkage and the shrinkage rate during heating and isothermal treatment has been determined using computer evaluation. The relative magnitude of the densification in the solid and liquid states, respectively, has been determined and correlated to the CoWC phase diagram. Furthermore, some structural changes occurring under decarburizing conditions have been explained. Mechanisms for solid and liquid state sintering are presented. © 1979.