Effect of alloying additives of the ceramic nanoparticles on the structural parameters and properties of hard alloys

New data about influence of ceramic nanoparticles additives on the hard metals WC-Co, WC-TiC-Co, TiC-Ni-Mo properties are obtained with the use of calculating and experimental methods. The final physical and mechanical properties of hard metals modified with nanoparticles depend on their microstructural parameters, proportion of volume ratios and size of carbide and ultrafne particles. Nanoparticles introduced into a binder decrease the thikness of the metal interlayer and therefore increase the strength of binder and composite as a whole. The reduction of the carbide grain average size was found out as well (owing to nanoparticles blocking influence on recrystallization). The test results display that the modification with nanoparticles enables to increase the main properties: service durability 1,3-4 times; wear resistance 1,6-2 times; fracture toughness 1,8-2 times; transverse rupture toughness at 25-50 %.