Green solutions for hard metals

Research question

The main research questions revolve around the new Co-like binder alloys and their interaction
with the carbide phase. Specifically, the new binder phase should i) possess right mechanical
properties ensuring toughness of the cemented carbide and right thermo-physical properties, ii)
interact with the hard phase like the Co-binder and tungsten-carbide (WC), iii) have a suitable
carbon window, meaning that the phase diagram between W, C and the new binder phase should
avoid the undesirable carbides, iv) offer possibility for nondestructive quality control techniques
based on magnetic measurements.

Sustainability aspects

• Producing Co-free hard metals: Materials enabling good health and protection against
  hazardous compounds
• Reducing the critical raw materials in hard metal products: Affordable materials able to
  be produced and recycled, enabling economic advancement
• Eliminating hard metal products with carcinogen components: Settlements built up from
  materials that are safe, resilient, and sustainable.