Properties and microstructural evolution of W-Ni-Fe alloy via microwave sintering

The mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of 93W-4.9Ni-2.1Fe (wt.%) alloys were investigated via microwave sintering. The microwave sintering promoted the dissolution and diffusion of tungsten atoms in the matrix phase and strengthened sintering activity. With the increase of microwave sintering temperature, pores in the alloy were reduced and gradually eliminated, tungsten grains coarsened, the distribution of tungsten grains and matrix phase became more homogeneous, and the fracture mode transformed from intergranular fracture to tungsten transgranular cleavage fracture, respectively. The W-matrix interfacial bond strength of 93W-4.9Ni-2.1Fe was enhanced and the mechanical properties were significantly improved with the increase of sintering temperature. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.