Study of steel-WC interface produced by solidstate capacitor discharge sinter-welding

Multimaterial components are more suitable than monolithic materials to combine several mechanical and functional properties simultaneously. Bi-layer components made of WC-Co and steel can combine enhanced wear resistance and toughness, which are beneficial for a wide range of advanced tribo-structural applications. In this study, a new solid-state capacitor discharge sinterwelding (CDSW) process has been used to achieve an AISI M2 steel/WC-12% Co joint starting from green compacts. The CDSW process allows very short processing times, which help to prevent the coarsening of steel grains or WC particles, as well as avoid WC decomposition and minimize microstructural defects. The morphological, chemical, and structural characteristics of the phases and interface have been investigated. The results demonstrate an intimate bonding of the two joining materials and a significant diffusion of substitutional elements up to 100-150 ?mapart from the interface.