Influence of Radiation and Magnetic Pulse Treatment on The Wear Resistance of Carbide Tools

In the mining industry, hard alloy tools with high wear resistance are essential for drilling operations. This study introduces a combined magnetic-pulse treatment method, integrating preliminary gamma irradiation and pulsed magnetic field exposure, to extend the service life of VK8 hard alloy drilling tools. Gamma irradiation utilized 60Co sources with doses from 3.2×10⁴ to 5.0×10⁸ R, followed by magnetic-pulse treatment using a custom installation with electromagnetic coils, achieving magnetic induction levels of 0.2–0.4 Tesla and pulse durations of 3 µs. The VK8 alloy, comprising 8% cobalt and 92% tungsten carbide, was tested on DZL Ø118 mm blade bits across ten batches. Results showed a 1.7–3.2-fold increase in wear resistance, influenced by treatment parameters, alloy composition, and operating conditions. The hardening effect persisted for 5–6 months after gamma irradiation and over a year after magnetic-pulse treatment. This method offers significant potential to enhance tool performance and durability in rock-destroying equipment.