cemented carbide

Cemented carbide is a composite material primarily composed of finely divided tungsten carbide particles held together by a binder metal, most commonly cobalt. This composition results in a material with exceptional hardness, approaching that of diamond, and high resistance to heat and chemical attack.123

The fabrication process involves mixing powdered tungsten carbide with powdered cobalt, pressing the mixture into a desired shape, and then heating it to high temperatures. The cobalt melts, partially dissolving the tungsten carbide grains and acting as a binder. This powder metallurgy technique is crucial for creating objects from materials with extremely high melting points, like tungsten.14

Cemented carbides are valued for their use in cutting tools, such as those for saws and drills, and in armor-piercing projectiles due to their extreme hardness and strength.132