Dynamic SEM wear studies of tungsten carbide cermetsDynamic friction and wear experiments were conducted in a scanning electron microscope. The wear behavior of pure tungsten carbide and composite with 6 and 15 weight percent cobalt binder was examined. Etching of the binder was done to selectively determine the role of the binder in the wear process. Dynamic experiments were conducted as the WC and bonded WC cermet surfaces were transversed by a 50 micron radiused diamond stylus. These studies show that the predominant wear process in WC is fracture initiated by plastic deformation. The wear of the etched cermets is similar to pure WC. The presence of the cobalt binder reduces both friction and wear. The cementing action of the cobalt reduces granular separation and promotes a dense polished layer because of its low shear strength film-forming properties. The wear debris generated from unetched surface is approximately the same composition as the bulk.
Document ID
19760031883
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Brainard, W. A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Buckley, D. H. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)