Abstract
Tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) are particulate composites of spherical W particles embedded in a ductile Ni-rich matrix. In our study, pre-treated W and Ni feedstock powders were used to prepare three different compositions (all wt.%) for spraying: W-10Ni, W-20Ni for two different WHA, and W-65Ni for a matrix-only material without the reinforcing W particles. Using radio frequency inductively coupled plasma spraying (RF-ICP) method, low porosity deposits were obtained with ductility exceeding 5%. By a detailed study of the microstructure and the particle-matrix interfaces, the mechanism of the composite formation was identified: a rapid dissolution of W in the liquid Ni and a subsequent W particle solidification followed by the solidification of the matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites are defined by the Ni-rich matrix (tough and significantly stronger than pure Ni) with well bonded stiff W particles. The elastic behavior was related to the W content following the Reuss model, describing a layered composite modulus in a serial configuration. Contrary to this, in the plastic regime, all WHA exhibited nearly identical behavior regardless of the W content. In this regime, the deformation of the W particles reached several percent, indicating an extremely strong particle-matrix bonding. Last, the failure mechanisms of the materials were investigated, with the matrix behavior governing the fatigue failure, and particle-matrix decohesion dominating in the static loading at higher loads.
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Acknowledgments
The Czech Science Foundation project Nr. 19-14339S and financial support by the European Regional Development Fund in the frame of the project Centre of Advanced Applied Sciences (No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16 019/0000778) are gratefully acknowledged. R. Zlatnik and T. Bajer are acknowledged for the RF-ICP and cyclic bend test device schematics.
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Kovarik, O., Cizek, J., Klecka, J. et al. Tungsten Heavy Alloys from Mixed Feedstock by RF Plasma. J Therm Spray Tech 32, 2747–2762 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-023-01647-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-023-01647-6