Distribution of CSL grain boundaries in oriented cemented carbides

WC-Co cemented carbide bulk materials with anisotropic distribution of specific WC planes were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using different pre-sintering temperatures of 850 degrees C, 900 degrees C and 1000 degrees C at a constant pressure of 60 MPa. The coincidence site lattice ( CSL) grain boundaries were characterized and the anisotropic distribution of the CSL boundaries was demonstrated. The combined effects of the composite powder and the SPS parameters on the formation of the anisotropic CSL boundary distribution were analyzed. The mechanisms were proposed such that the CSL grain boundary distribution can be tailored by adjusting the composition of the composite powder and the SPS processing parameters such as the pre-sintering temperature, sintering pressure and its working stage. The findings facilitate to obtain a beneficial CSL grain boundary distribution that enhances mechanical properties in certain directions of the cemented carbide.