Influence of Carbon Content on Micro Residual Stresses in Cemented Carbide

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Christoph Broeckmann
• Subject Area: Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 559838999

WC-Co-based cemented carbide is one of the most important tooling materials. In the production of a car alone, more than 50 manufacturing steps involving tungsten carbide are necessary. In 2017, 64% of global tungsten production was consumed by cemented carbides. Despite alternative binder alloys entering the market from research, the importance of cobalt binders will continue to grow steadily. The European hardmetal industry is under tremendous cost pressure from international competitors. The industry is therefore moving toward a value-added and technology-oriented focus, relying on high material quality as a unique feature on the world market. Against this background, the hardmetal industry is increasingly dependent on fundamental knowledge to improve its products. An important aspect is the understanding of the development of microscopic residual stresses. These residual stresses of the second kind, which act between the microstructural constituents, not only influence subsequent manufacturing steps in tool production, but are also superimposing the loads of hard metal products and thus impair their performance. Significant for microstructure and properties of WC-Co cemented carbides is the carbon content. The research approach of the present project proposal is based on experimental and numerical work, all aimed at quantifying the influence of carbon content on microstructure and process-induced residual stresses. At the end of the project, an experimentally validated simulation chain will be established that will enable the understanding of the individual influences on the residual stresses and thus a targeted improvement of cemented carbides by controlling the carbon content within the process window in the manufacture of hardmetal tools.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants