Pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) is utilized to consolidate ultra-fine grain WC-xat.%TiC (x=0-50) cemented carbides. Densification to near theoretical density in a relatively short time can be accomplished without significant change in the grain size. WC-50at.%TiC with a relative density of up to 99% was produced within 5 minutes with the simultaneous application of 60 MPa pressure. The average grain sizes of the densified materials were about 200 nm. The sintered WC-20at.%TiC material had fracture toughness and hardness values of 7.5 MPa center dot m(1/2) and 2240 kg/mm(2), respectively.

Keywords: rapid sintering; pulsed current activated sintering; WC-TiC; hard materials; microstructure; hardness; fracture; toughness