Densification Process of WC-MgO Nanocomposite Based on Master Sintering Curve

Abstract

The master sintering curve (MSC) of nanocomposite WC-MgO was constructed based on the combined-stage sintering model. Nano-sized WC-4.3wt%MgO powder with average particle size of 35nm was synthesized by high-energy ball milling, and then uniaxially pressed at the pressure of 500MPa to fabricate green compacts. The shrinkage response of the compacts, used to construct the master sintering curve, were studied by dilatometric runs at two constant heating rates of 5°C/min and 10°C/min up to 1900°C. Using the estimated activation energy, the master sintering curves were established and compared to acquire an optimum value (Q=361.8 kJ/mol). The obtained MSC was validated by non-isothermal sintering with the identical green compacts. The results demonstrate that the MSC can be applied successfully to predict and control shrinkage level and final density during heating up regardless of heating rates.