Overview: CARBIDES AND CERMETS

'Carbides and Cermets' is the name commonly given to cemented carbides. The majority of cemented carbides consist of tungsten carbide particles, WC, cemented together in a cobalt matrix. These Carbides and Cermets are widely used as drill bit inserts, cutting tools, wear parts in the mining and machining industries and high pressure components. The lifespan of the carbides and cermets components is critically dependent on properties such as strength, composition, toughness, corrosion resistance, etc.

The long term strategy of this focus area is two-fold. Firstly, to improve the performance of existing carbides and cermets by providing an enhanced understanding of the relationships between properties, microstructure, composition and production conditions. Secondly, to develop new carbides and cermets and hard coatings containing South African primary resources, in order to create new knowledge and new potential markets for them.