Sintering Atmosphere Effects on the Ductility of W- Ni- Fe Heavy Metals

Densification, Microstructure and Properties of 90W-7Ni-3Fe Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting

The preparation of refractory tungsten and tungsten alloys has always been challenging due to their inherent properties. Selective laser melting (SLM) offers a choice for preparing tungsten and tungsten alloys. In this work, 90W-7Ni-3Fe samples were prepared by selective laser melting and investigated. Different process parameter combinations were designed according to the Taguchi method, and volumetric energy density (VED) was defined. Subsequently, the effects of process parameters on densification, phase composition, microstructure, tensile properties, and microhardness were investigated. Nearly a full densification sample (≥99%) was obtained under optimized process parameters, and the value of VED was no less than 300 J/mm3. Laser power had a dominant influence on densification behavior compared with other parameters. The main phases of 90W-7Ni-3Fe are W and γ-(Ni-Fe), dissolved with partial W. In addition, 90W-7Ni-3Fe showed a high tensile strength (UTS = 1121 MPa) with poor elongation (<1%). A high average microhardness (>400 HV0.3) was obtained, but the microhardness presented a fluctuation along building direction due to the inhomogeneous microstructure.

The Effect of Mo and Dispersoids on Microstructure, Sintering Behavior, and Mechanical Properties of W-Mo-Ni-Fe-Co Heavy Tungsten Alloys

W-Mo-Ni-Fe-Co heavy tungsten alloys were fabricated by mechanical alloying. The effects of Mo and oxide dipsersoids on the characteristics and properties of the model alloys were investigated. In this study, the W-Mo matrix and γ-Ni(Fe,Co) binder phase were further synthesized with Y2O3 by a secondary ball milling method. The results suggest that the microstructure and sintering behavior of the model alloys are strongly influenced by the dispersed oxide particles. The model alloys with the Y2O3 addition demonstrate grain refinement and uniform microstructure. The dispersed particles could act as an inhibitor for diffusion of tungsten atoms and grain growth, promoting the formation of solid state during sintering. Consequently, good densification, high hardness, and elastic modulus of alloys can be achieved.