Atomistic observation of in situ fractured surfaces at a V-doped WC–Co interface

摘要

1.Introduction Cemented carbides are composites of WC ceramic phases and metallic Co binders that endow them with superior hardness and excellent toughness.Hard metals are widely used as metal cutting and rock drilling tools[1,2].Their hardness is believed to be inversely proportional to the sizes of WC grains^([3]).Grain growth inhibitors are widely employed to achieve smaller grain sizes.