Zirconium Carbide-Tungsten Cermets Prepared by In Situ Reaction Sintering

Abstract

Zirconium carbide-tungsten (ZrC-W) cermets were prepared by a novel in situ reaction sintering process. Compacted stoichiometric zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and tungsten carbide (WC) powders were heated to 2100⁰C, which produced cermets with 35 vol% ZrC and 65 vol% W consisting of an interpenetrating-type microstructure with a relative density of ~95%. The cermets had an elastic modulus of 274 GPa, a fracture toughness of 8.3 MPa·m1/2, and a flexural strength of 402 MPa. The ZrC content could be increased by adding excess ZrC or ZrO2 and carbon to the precursors, which increased the density to >98%. The solid-state reaction between WC and ZrO2 and W-ZrC solid solution were also studied thermodynamically and experimentally.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

In situ reaction sintering; Relative density; Tungsten carbide powders; Density (specific gravity); Elastic moduli; Microstructure; Sintering; Solid solutions; Zirconia; Cermets

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0002-7820; 1551-2916

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2007 Wiley-Blackwell, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Apr 2007

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