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XPS and AES surface characterization of WC–Co after electro‐discharge machining
Author(s) -
StösselSittig C.,
Schnyder B.,
Kötz R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.1762
Subject(s) - x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , electrical discharge machining , tungsten carbide , materials science , metallurgy , tungsten , machining , carbide , surface modification , brass , analytical chemistry (journal) , base (topology) , characterization (materials science) , copper , chemical engineering , chemistry , nanotechnology , environmental chemistry , mathematical analysis , mathematics , engineering
The surface of tungsten carbide with Co‐binder (WC–Co) after wire electro‐discharge machining (W‐EDM) with and without induced discolouration was investigated by XPS, AES and SEM. The measurements show that the eroded surface is at least partly covered by a layer containing Zn and Cu oxides, and also small amounts of W and Co. The Zn and Cu originate from the wire (brass wire covered with Zn) used during the W‐EDM and/or from the water, which contains Zn, Cu, W and Co from W‐EDM processes performed earlier on the same machine. The W and Co stem from the water or from the base material of the work piece. On the samples with induced discolouration a dark pattern is visible at the surface. Measurements on these samples show an increased amount of Co within the dark pattern. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.