Effect of electromagnetic coupling treatment on the tribological properties of YG6X hard metal

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of electromagnetic coupling treatment on YG6X cemented carbide by comparing the phase composition, mechanical properties (especially hardness) and tribological properties of untreated samples, single-pulse magnetic field-treated samples and magnetic-electric field coupling-treated samples, so as to provide technical support for the high-performance development and application expansion of cemented carbides. Design/methodology/approach This study uses YG6X cemented carbide as the sample, designing three groups: Untreated (0 V, 0 T), Craft1 (single-pulse magnetic field, 0 V, 1.5 T) and Craft2 (electromagnetic coupling, 1.5 V, 1.5 T). Samples are polished and ultrasonically cleaned. XRD analyzes phase composition, a microhardness tester measures hardness and a friction tester conducts dry reciprocating sliding tests. 3D profilometer, SEM and EDS are used to observe wear morphology and element distribution. Findings This study finds that electromagnetic coupling treatment (Craft2) outperforms untreated and single-pulse magnetic field treatment (Craft1) on YG6X cemented carbide. It promotes WC and Co3O4 phase formation, reduces internal stress and increases hardness by approximately 6%. Craft2 also lowers the friction coefficient, shortens the running-in period and cuts wear rate by approximately 17% vs untreated samples. Fine spherical wear particles form, converting sliding to rolling friction and suppressing oxidation wear, enhancing overall tribological performance. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings have notable impacts: it validates electromagnetic coupling treatment as an effective, low-energy modification technique for YG6X cemented carbide. By optimizing phase composition and reducing internal stress, the treatment enhances hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance, enabling the material to perform excellently under heavy-load, low-speed conditions (e.g. rolling, ore crushing). It fills the research gap between cemented carbide’s hardness and tribological properties, provides a feasible path for high-performance development of cemented carbides and contributes to energy conservation by reducing friction-induced energy loss. Practical implications This study’s practical impact lies in validating electromagnetic coupling as a low-energy, non-contact modification technology for YG6X cemented carbide. It enhances the material’s hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance, enabling reliable performance in heavy-load, low-speed scenarios (e.g. rolling, ore crushing) and extending workpiece service life. By reducing friction-induced energy loss, it supports energy conservation and environmental protection. Additionally, it provides a feasible industrial path for high-performance cemented carbide, broadening its application in cutting tools, dies and wear-resistant components. Originality/value This study’s originality lies in addressing the research gap between cemented carbide’s hardness and tribological properties, exploring the synergistic effect of electromagnetic coupling (vs single magnetic field) on YG6X. Its value lies in validating a low-energy, non-contact modification technology that optimizes phase composition and reduces internal stress. By enhancing hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance, it enables reliable use under heavy-load/low-speed conditions, provides a feasible path for high-performance cemented carbides and contributes to energy conservation via reduced friction loss. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: Link to the cited website of publons.