1. Introduction
The cementedcarbides(WC–Co)withtheattractive
characteristicsofhighhardnessandgoodfracturetough-
ness arewidelyusedforavarietyofmachining,cutting,
drilling andotherapplications [1]. Theyconsistofahigh
volume ofhardtungstencarbide(WC)phaseembedded
within thesoftcobalt(Co)binderphase.However,metallic
Co bindersarenoteconomicallyattractiveandwillresult
in reducedhardnessandcorrosion/oxidationresistance,
enhancegraingrowthduetotherapiddiffusioninthe
liquid phase [2,3]. Inaddition,thecontinuingtrendof
saving therare,expensiveandstrategicresourceofCo