Small-scale mechanical testing (massive nanoindentation, compression of micropillars and fracture of notched microcantilevers) and characterization (cross-section FIB-tomography and FESEM inspection) are proposed and validated as effective tools for studying fracture mechanics and toughening mechanisms governing stable crack growth in cemented carbides. Crack growth resistance behavior of cemented carbides and corresponding microstructural effects are sucessfully described and understood on the basis of ductile ligament reinforcement behind the crack tip as the key toughening mechanism for these materials.
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