Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Colloidal Processed WC/(W5Vol%Ni) via Spark Plasma Sintering

This study investigates the sintering behaviour and properties of WC-based composites in which WC was mixed with W5vol%Ni in concentrations of 10vol% and 20vol%. Colloidal processing in water and spark plasma sintering were employed to disperse the WC particles and facilitate sintering. The addition...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Zegai, Ahmed-Ameur, Besharatloo, Hossein, Ortega-Columbrans, Pablo, Djerdjare, Boubekeur, Ferrari, Begoña, Sánchez-Herencia, A. Javier
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/330396
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/330396
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Tungsten carbide
Spark plasma sintering
Colloidal processing
Sintering aid
Microstructural characterisation
Mechanical characterization
Descripción
Sumario:This study investigates the sintering behaviour and properties of WC-based composites in which WC was mixed with W5vol%Ni in concentrations of 10vol% and 20vol%. Colloidal processing in water and spark plasma sintering were employed to disperse the WC particles and facilitate sintering. The addition of W5vol%Ni improved the sintering process, as evident from a lower onset temperature of shrinkage determined through dilatometric studies. All samples exhibited the formation of tungsten monocarbide (W2C), with a more pronounced presence in the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite. Sintering reached its maximum rate at 1550 °C and was completed at 1600 °C, resulting in a final density exceeding 99.8%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the detection of WC and W2C phases after sintering. The observed WC content was higher than expected, which may be attributed to carbon diffusion during the process. Macro-scale mechanical characterisations revealed that the WC/10(W5vol%Ni) composite exhibited a hardness of 18.9 GPa, while the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite demonstrated a hardness of 18.3 GPa. Increasing the W5vol%Ni binder content caused a decrease in mechanical properties due to the formation of W2C phases. This study provides valuable insights into the sintering behavior and properties of WC/W5vol%Ni composites, offering potential applications in extreme environments.