Microstructure and properties of W-Cu composites reinforced by in-situ generated WC

In the present work, cast iron was used as the carbon source to fabricate WC particle reinforced W-Cu composite by hot-press sintering and simultaneous in-situ reaction. The results revealed that a gradient WC layer with the thickness of about 57 mu m was obtained after carbonization at 1100 degrees C for 3 h. The surface hardness of the W - Cu composite with a gradient structure has been significantly improved, and the electrical conductivity gradually rises from the surface layer to the matrix ensuring the holistic conductivity. The wear resistance of the carbonized W-Cu composite was greatly enhanced, and the average friction coefficient and the mass loss of the carbonized W- Cu composite at room temperature is 14% and 63% lower than that of the untreated W-Cu composite, respectively.

Automated summary

In this study, cast iron was used as the carbon source to fabricate WC particle reinforced W-Cu composite through hot-press sintering and in-situ reaction. After carbonization, a gradient WC layer enhanced the surface hardness significantly while electrical conductivity improved gradually from the surface to the matrix. Wear resistance of the carbonized W-Cu composite was greatly enhanced, leading to a 14% decrease in average friction coefficient and a 63% decrease in mass loss compared to the untreated W-Cu composite at room temperature.