Abstract: The La doped WC/Co powder was prepared by high energy ball milling. The changesof crystal structure, micrograph and defect of the powder were investigated by means ofXRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope) and DTA (differentialthermal analysis). The results show that adding trace La element into carbides iseffective to minish the grain size of WC/Co powder. The La doped carbides powderwith grain size of 30nm can be obtained after 1Oh ball milling. The XRD peak of Cophase disappeared after 20h ball milling, which indicated solid solution (or secondarysolid solution) of Co phase in WC phase. The La doped powder with grain size of1Ohm is obtained after 30h ball milling. A peak of heat release at the temperatureof 470℃ was emerged in DTA curve within the range of heating temperature, whichshowed that the crystal structure relaxation of the powder appeared in the process ofhigh energy ball milling. After consolidated the La doped WC/Co alloy by high energyball milling exhibits ultra-fine grain Sizes and better mechanical properties.

Key words: cemented carbide, nano-crystalline powder, rare earth, high energy ball milling