A novel WC–W2C composite synthesis by arc plasma melt cast technique: microstructural and mechanical studies

Abstract

WC–W2C composites of three different compositions have been synthesized from mixture of WC + W (0, 5 and 16 wt% W) by thermal arc plasma melt-cast technique. Various grown phases observed in the composites consisting of major phases of WC and W2C and minor phases of unbound C (graphite) and tungsten (W) were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies. Transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy show polycrystalline nature of composites. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (of X-ray) infers the absence of any impurity in the composite. Almost porous free nature of composites were observed from X-ray micro computed tomography and BET analysis studies. WC–W2C composite (16 wt% W) shows 25% and 21% higher micro hardness (2535 VHN) and Young’s modulus (625 GPa) values than that of pure melt cast WC sample.

Spark Plasma Sintering of Electric Discharge Machinable 1.5Yb-1.5Sm-TZP-WC Composites

“…They confirmed formation of W 2 C, free carbon and elementary tungsten under such conditions. (T > 2500 • C) [39]. If this holds true, locally, the temperature is probably much higher than measured 10 mm above the sample surface by the pyrometer.…”