The WC-reinforced steel matrix composite has been investigated microscopically and it has been revealed that the material
has obviously different
microstructural characteristics, compared with the steel which has similar chemcal composition with the steel matrix of the tested material. The initial microstructures of the material in an annealing status consist of bright regrons and dark regions, in which massive hard phases and dense fine carbides distribute, respectively. After heating and quenching undery broader temperture range from 960℃ to 1100℃ , the fine martensite, with the ASTM11-12.5 grade of Austenitic grain size can equally be obtained, resulting in numerous carbide population and distribution of large middle and small sizes of the carbides. Among large hard phases, the properties and physical conditions of amgled carbide and massive carbide differ greatly. The measured results of micro-hardness at microstructural units correspond well to macro rockwell hardnes of this material.