Influence of hard ceramic particles on structure and properties of TGM

Purpose: The Powder Metallurgy route has been chosen to fabricate tool gradient materials with high disproportion of cobalt matrix portion between core and surface layer. In the paper structure and properties of TGM have been shown. Design/methodology/approach: SEM, light microscope, microhardness tests, density examination. Findings: According to carried out researches it could be stated, that forming the gradient materials with highest amount of complex carbide (W,Ti)C 90-95%, using uniaxial unilateral pressing, could be possible after adding into each layer of mixes 2 % of paraffin lubricant. High diversification of cobalt matrix ratio in comparison to hard phases in subsequent layers of gradient materials leads to their deformation in as sintered state. In case of all gradient materials, mean hardness was equal about 1600 HV1. Whereas, hardness of lower cobalt matrix rich layers brought values about 1450 HV1 and increased up to 1800 HV1 for lower layer of material rich with hard carbide phases. Practical implications: Material presented in this paper is characterized by very high hardness of the surface and relative ductility of core. TGM is a smoothly varying distribution of phases element composition. Originality/value: In the paper the manufacturing of TGM on basis of different portion of cobalt reinforced with hard ceramics particles carried out in order to improve the abrasion resistance and ductility of tool cutting materials.