A STEM Microanalytical Investigation of Nitrogen Implanted Cemented WC-Co

Abstract

The surface modification of materials by high fluence ion implantation is rapidly becoming accepted as a potentially important technological process. In fact. recent conferences^1,2 and publications³ have emphasized solely this particular application of ion beam technology. Of the numerous surface properties which may be modified by ion implantation, one of the more promising applications occurs in the area of surface hardening for improved wear or fatigue resistance. Hartley⁴ has recently reviewed the literature in this area, and points out that the most dramatic increases in wear resistance are obtained in the cemented WC-Co composites. Although suggestions have been made by Dearnaley and Hartley⁵ and Hartley⁶ to account for this increased wear resistance, no microstructural evidence exists to support these conclusions. Therefore, we have instituted a microstructural and microchemical study of ion implanted cemented WC-Co composites with the ultimate goal of understanding the improved wear resistance in these materials. This paper presents the first results of this study.