Exploring Three Approaches for Carbon Additions to WC-Co Feedstock to Mitigate In-Flight Carbon Loss

Abstract This study presents initial findings on three methods for adding carbon to WC-17Co powder to prevent carbide degradation in coatings. The approach had two objectives: first, to saturate the molten cobalt binder with carbon, thereby reducing the dissolution of tungsten carbide; and second, to replace carbon lost during the spraying process, ensuring the final composition could form stoichiometric WC + Co either immediately after spraying or following heat treatment.