Thermal properties
Linear expansion coefficient
Thermal expansion as a function of the cobalt content for two different temperature intervals
As tungsten carbide has a very low linear expansion coefficient, WC-Co cemented carbides have values of approximately half that of ferritic and martensitic steels while the ratio to austenitic steels is about 1:3.
If titanium carbide is included, the values will be slightly higher than for straight WC-Co cemented carbides. This values optimizes the resistance for carbide components or carbide tools like carbide rotary cutters.
Thermal conductivity
Thermal conductivity as a function of temperature, different microstructures, and WC grain sizes
The thermal conductivity of WC-Co cemented carbides is approximately twice that of unalloyed steels and one third of that of copper. The tungsten carbide grain size has a minor effect, but the presence of g-phase decreases the thermal conductivity considerably. These optimize the resistance for carbide components or carbide tools like carbide rotary cutters.
Specific heat capacity
At room temperature, the specific heat capacity for straight WC-Co grades is about 150 to 350 J/(kg•°C), which is nearly half the value of unalloyed steels.
