Properties, Advantages, and Prospects of Using Cobalt-Free Composites Based on Tungsten Carbide in Industry
Kurbanbekov S. Kozhakhmetov Y. Skakov M. Seitov B. Aidarova M. Tabiyeva Y.
January 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Materials
2025#18Issue 1
This paper reviews recent advances in the synthesis of cobalt-free high-strength tungsten carbide (WC) composites as sustainable alternatives to conventional WC-Co composites. Due to the high cost of cobalt, limited supply, and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring nickel, iron, ceramic binders, and nanocomposites to obtain similar or superior mechanical properties. Various synthesis methods such as powder metallurgy, encapsulation, 3D printing, and spark plasma sintering (SPS) are discussed, with SPS standing out for its effectiveness in densifying and preventing WC grain growth. The results show that cobalt-free composites exhibit high strength, wear and corrosion resistance, and harsh environment stability, making them viable competitors for WC-Co materials. The use of nickel and iron with SPS is shown to enable the development of environmentally friendly, cost-effective materials. It is emphasized that microstructural control and phase management during sintering are critical to improve a material’s properties. The application potential of these composites covers mechanical engineering, metallurgy, oil and gas, and aerospace, emphasizing their broad industrial relevance.
cobalt-free metal alloy composites , iron , nickel , SPS , tungsten carbide
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Center of Excellence “VERITAS”, D. Serikbayev East, Kazakhstan Technical University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070004, Kazakhstan
The Research Institute “Natural Sciences, Nanotechnology and New Materials”, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan, 161200, Kazakhstan
National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kurchatov, 180010, Kazakhstan
Center of Excellence “VERITAS”
The Research Institute “Natural Sciences
National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026