TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF NITROGEN ION-IMPLANTED WC-CO

The effects of nitrogen ion implantation on the properties and the cha racters of WC-Co cemented carbides were studied. The implanted layers were characterized by means of AES and XRD. The friction-wear tests we re undertaken with a pin-on-disc friction-wear tester. The worn surfac e morphologies of the samples were observed with SEM and EMPA. The mec hanisms of surface modification of N ion implantation into WC-Co cemen ted carbides were considered. The results indicate that a carbon-rich layer and some nitrides form in the nitrogen ion implanted surface lay er of WC-Co. A suitable dose of nitrogen ion implantation can increase the surface hardness of WC-Co and an excess dose can cause decrease i n surface hardness of WC-Co. Nitrogen ion implantation reduces the fri ction adhesion transfer from stainless steel to implanted WC-Co. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science S.A.