**3.5 Axial compressive elasticity modulus**

The axial compressive elasticity modulus of the cemented carbides obtained from the tension-deformation curve resulting from axial compression tests is shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 11. Axial elasticity modulus of the cemented carbides sintered under HPHT.

The cemented carbides are characterized by a high modulus of elasticity. In a way similar to the axial compressive strength, it is observed that the axial compressive elasticity modulus increased with the incorporation of rare-earth oxides. This is mainly due to higher densification of the cemented carbide doped with these additives.

The results of Figure 11 also showed that the highest values of axial compressive elasticity modulus of the cemented carbide doped with rare-earth elements were obtained for the samples containing 1 % of La2O3 (9095 MPa) and 1 % of CeO2 (8573 MPa).
