Phase analysis for the coated surface with B4C and Y2O3 of cemented carbid e WC-20Co in vacuum-heating was carried out by high-temperature X-ray diffra ction from ambient temperature to 1300 ℃. The results show that, the high-conc entration active boron atoms are released from the boron-supply agent B4C loc ated on the alloy surface and diffused into the γ-phase, leading to forming th e three-element boron-bearing compound W2Co21B6 beside forming boron -bearing compounds on the blank surface. By contrast with boronising only, the element yttrium in boronization broadens the boronising temperature range during vacuum-sintering, catalyzes the decarbonisation decomposition of B4C and prom otes diffusion of active boron atoms into the bulk of WC-Co.