Enhanced sintering of tungsten

W and W-La2O3 powders with a range of particle sizes were processed by furnace sintering, direct resistance sintering, and spark plasma sintering to determine the effects of current and pressure on densification and grain size. The results from these experiments are combined with experimental data from literature and compared to a model for densification based on master sintering curve concepts to assess the effectiveness of finer particle sizes, the application of current, and the combined application of current and pressure for achieving sintered densities above 96% of theoretical for pure tungsten and for tungsten containing small amounts of oxides and/or carbides. Experimental results for grain size are also compared to the model predictions for pressureless sintering. The same model is used to assess the effectiveness of transition metal additions, the application of pressure, and the application of electromagnetic radiation on enhancing the sintering of tungsten and refining its grain size.

Automated summary

In this study, different sintering methods were applied to W and W-La2O3 powders with varying particle sizes to investigate the effects of current and pressure on densification and grain size. The effectiveness of finer particle sizes, current application, and combined application of current and pressure for achieving high sintered densities was assessed and compared to model predictions. Additionally, the impact of transition metal additions, pressure application, and electromagnetic radiation on sintering and grain size refinement of tungsten was evaluated using the same model.