Plastic deformation in tungsten carbide

The practical importance of tungsten monocarbide prompted an investigation into its wear mechanism. Initial studies on ball-milled tungsten carbide powders revealed considerable plastic deformation, coupled with a reduction in crystallite size. Deformation stacking faults, involving slip on the basal plane, were observed. The work was extended to sintered blocks, tool tips and single crystals. Studies on the worn surfaces of these revealed plastic deformation that extended to a depth of a few microns below the surface. The plastic deformation is an important factor in the wear of tungsten carbide.