Abstract
Fabrication of alumina–tungsten carbide nanocomposite was investigated. Characteristics of the densification and sintering were analyzed considering both the nano-size particle starting powders and the processing stages. Different heating rates were generated during densification and consolidation with a maximal load was applied only after a temperature of 1000 °C was reached. Due to the varying dominance of different physical processes affecting the grains, appropriate heating rates and pressure at different stages ensured that a structure with submicron grains was obtained. With directly applied alternating current, it was found that the proportion Al2O3 (50 wt.%)–WC provided the highest fracture toughness, and a sintering temperature above 1600 °C was found to be disadvantageous. High heating rates and a short sintering time enabled the process to be completed in 12 min, saving energy and time.
Highlights
Many reports suggest that it is a comcommon phenomenon in WC cement carbide systems for W2 C and C to appear as a result mon phenomenon in WC cement carbide systems for W2C and C to appear as a result of of WC decomposition during thermal interaction [41]
As some reports have suggested [42], the presence of W2 C might reduce the mechanical properties of the composite, even though the presence of W2C might reduce the mechanical properties of the composite, even its microstructure looks very advantageous in term of the dimensions and distribution of though its microstructure looks very advantageous in term of the dimensions and distrithe grains
Surface effects in the contact zones of the sintered particles depend on many factors that may be influenced with different parameters of electric current, pressure, temperature, and time
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Ceramic materials, including Al2 O3 , are very popular in industrial applications [1]. Alumina is characterized by high hardness and good strength, wear, and corrosion resistance, and it does not interact with metals during heating [2]. Despite the low fracture toughness of Al2 O3 and the presence of strength-limiting flaws in the fabricated materials, aluminum oxide justifies evaluation because of many attractive properties [3]. The incorporation of refractory hard particles in Al2 O3 -based composites may inhibit grain growth in the material, significantly improving the mechanical properties of the composite [4]
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