Structure and Properties of WC-Fe-Ni-Co Nanopowder Composites for Use in Additive Manufacturing Technologies

In this work, the samples of the WC-Fe-Ni-Co composition were obtained and studied. Alloy NiCo 29-18 is used as a binder (Fe-Ni-Co). In this paper, a comparative analysis of the samples obtained using commercial micron-sized WC powder and the samples obtained is carried out using nano-WC synthesized via the electric explosion of wire (EEW) method. The samples were subjected to vacuum sintering, then their structure, density, and porosity, as well as microhardness and oxidation resistance, were studied. Five different additives were used to stabilize sintering: VC, Cr3C2, NbC, Y2O3, and Nd2O3. All these additives are described in the literature as additives that are used in the sintering of materials of the WC-Co system. Also, the samples from the WC-Fe-Ni-Co material were obtained using additive manufacturing technology with material extrusion. Bending strength and hardness of the additively fabricated samples were determined.