Design and investigation of hard metalls composites modified by nanoparticles and thermomechanical treatment with a high level of mechanical and operating properties

According to the research preparation methods to ensure uniformity of distribution of nanoparticles (inhibitors) in terms of the cobalt binder and the formation of nanostructured fragments in hard metal composites are proposed. Our research shows that the working life of various hard metals composites and tools is extended by modification with nanoparticles and subsequent thermomechanical treatment, too. This paper introduces the concept of coated particles of carbides by ceramics nanoparticles as starting method for improved hard metals nanostructured composites. A computer simulation study of the consolidation process of spherical particles of different sizes is presented. The study of microstructural parameters by scanning electron microscopy in combination with x-ray phase analysis indicates a high statistical homogeneity of the relative distribution of composite components (grain of tungsten carbide, titanium carbonitride, layer of metal binder and inclusions of nanoparticles) and a result increase the strength of binder and composite as a whole.