Effect of transverse current injection on the tribological properties of WC cemented carbide

L. Rapoport*, N. Parkansky, I. Lapsker, A. Rayhel, B. Alterkop, R. L. Boxman, S. Goldsmith, L. Burstain

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of an electric current on the tribological properties of WC cemented carbide were studied. Cemented carbide bars having a composition of 90% WC, 8% Co, 1.8% TaC, 0.2% NbC with dimensions of 5 x 6.5 x 20 mm were mounted in a sclerometer. A d.c. current with densities in the range of 0-90° A/cm2 was injected parallel to the long axis of the bar during the test. The surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. To measure wear and friction, an indenter with loads of 1.5 and 3.5 N was drawn over the surface of the test sample with a controlled velocity of 0.2 mm/s for 100 cycles. It was found that the scratching process fractured the carbide grains. The fractured carbides were agglomerated and compacted, forming a thick tribo film. Tungsten oxide WO3 was found in the scratch track after scratching with current injection. With the injected current of 90 A/cm2 the track width increased by a factor of 1.4 and 3 and the friction coefficient increased by a factor of 1.5 and 2 with a load of 1.5 and 3.5 N, respectively, as compared to scratching without a current.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalWear
Volume249
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2001

Keywords

  • Transverse current injection
  • Tribological properties
  • WC cemented carbide

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