Effects of W Contents in Co Matrix of the Thermal Sprayed WC-Co on the Corrosion Behavior in Molten Zinc

This study sought to investigate the reaction of Co-binder containing tungsten with molten zinc. Four kinds of Co-W alloys (pure, 10%W, 20%W, 30%W) were prepared using the powder metallurgy method. The specimens were immersion-tested in molten pure zinc baths at $460^{\circ}C$. To evaluate the corrosion property in molten zinc, the weight loss of the specimen was measured after the immersion tests at different immersion times (10~300 min.). Co-10%W alloys, compared with pure cobalt, showed no effect of tungsten addition on the reaction rate in molten zinc. The relationship between the weight loss and the square root of immersion period represents a straight line in both pure cobalt and Co-10%W alloy. The Co-Zn reaction layer in Co- 1O%W alloy consists of $\gamma2$, $\gamma1$, $\gamma$ and ($\beta1$ phases. The rate of weight loss significantly increases and the weight loss behavior is not well accord with the linear relationship as the tungsten content in the Co-W alloy increases. The $\beta1$ layer was not formed on the Co-20%W alloy and neither was a stable Co-Zn intermetallic compound layer found on the Co-30%W alloy. The main cause of increase in reaction rate with increasing tungsten content is related with the instability of the Co-Zn reaction phases as seen on micro-structural analysis.