Role of Materials Science in Increasing the Efficiency of a Rock-Crushing Tool Equipped with WC–Co Cemented Carbide Inserts: A Review.

A concept is proposed for increasing the efficiency of a rock-crushing tool. The concept uses basics of the thermodynamics of open systems. Based on the proposed concept, the following promising approaches to increasing the efficiency of a rock-crushing tool are identified: Co-phase doping, creating gradient constraints in the volume of the rock-breaking component, and formation of mesostructures in sintered hard alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]