Cracks emanating from the corners of Vickers indent, can be employed to determine the crack resistance of cemented carbides. Crack resistance was measured as a function of structural variables and compositions of cemented carbides.
Results obtained were as follows: (1) The crack resistance of WC-Co alloys was observed to be correlated to the thickness of Co phase and the hardness of the alloys, independent of Co content,
WC grain size, carbon content and hot isostatic pressing treatment.
(2) The crack resistance of alloys involving addition carbides, was correlated to the thickness of
Co phase, and this relation was influenced by the content and composition of the addition carbides.
(3) In comparison with the parameters of fracture mechanics, the crack resistance which can be easily measured was evaluated as the toughness of cemented carbides.