Abstract: Due to the intrinsic brittleness of WC cemented carbides, additives are introduced to enhance strength and toughness simultaneously. There are a wide variety of additive and different additives show different strengthening and toughening mechanisms. However, at present, there is a lack of a more systematic review that strengthen and toughen WC cemented carbides with metal binder by the use of additives. Based on the classification of additives, the research progress on strengthening and toughening WC cemented carbides is reviewed from the aspects of composition, microstructure and sintering technology. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms of various additives and their co-doping are introduced, which mainly include fine grain strengthening-toughening, dislocation strengthening-toughening, phase transition toughening, crack deflection, bridge and branching, etc. The range of strength-toughness of WC cemented carbides prepared with different metal binders and additives are summarized and compared, pointing out the problems to be solved in the present research and the development trend in the future. Through the systematic integration of a great deal of research work, the composition and performance of WC cemented carbide are established, so as to provide reference for industrial production. Consequently, according to the required performance indicators and service conditions, the industry can purposefully choose the appropriate ratio, therefore design and manufacture the products meeting the requirements.

Key words: WC cemented carbide, strengthening and toughening, additive