Effects of micro/nano CeO₂ on the microstructure and properties of WC-10Co cemented carbides

WC-10Co cemented carbide with micro/nano CeO2 additives was obtained through powder metallurgy technology. The effects of CeO2 grain size on the structure and performances were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, mechanical properties testers and friction testing machine. The results showed that the grain size of WC decreased after adding micro/nano CeO2, and the refining effect of nano CeO2 was better than that of micro CeO2. The properties of alloys such as Vickers hardness, TRS and fracture toughness increased with the increase of CeO2 additives, and then followed a decrease trend when the content of CeO2 exceeded 0.8%. Furthermore, the content of nano CeO2 greatly affected the cemented carbide and 0.4% of nano CeO2 revealed the strongest improvement on the structure and performances of WC-10Co cemented carbide.