摘要 |
Grain growth inhibitors including vanadium carbide, chromium carbide, tantalum carbide, and niobium carbide are incorporated into a cobalt/tungsten carbide matrix during the formation of the cobalt/tungsten carbide matrix. A precursor powder is formed by combining in solution a cobalt composition, a tungsten composition and a grain growth inhibiting metal composition, which is then spray dried. The precursor compound is then carburized in carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to form cobalt/tungsten carbide matrix. This is then further carburized in a hydrocarbon hydrogen gas at an elevated temperature to cause the grain growth inhibiting metal present to form the carbide. The second carburizing step is conducted with a carburizing gas having a carbon activity greater than about 2 for a relatively short period of time at 900 degree C to 1000 degree C.
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