Phase field analysis of solidification structures and interface composition in WC-Co Hardmetals

This work demonstrates an accurate model for solidification of WC-Co powder in thermal spray deposition, where particles-Typically metal or ceramic powder-are heated and propelled towards a substrate, leading to a thick and lamellar coating. The WC tends to dissolve partially while the cobalt is molten in flight, and upon impact, the cobalt solidifies rapidly. This leads to a microstructure with WC particles decreased in size, and the matrix …