Effect of WC content on properties of iron matrix composite

Abstract

Fe-2Cu-2Ni-1Mo-1C matrix composite with WC content of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% were prepared. Pore morphology, density, hardness and bending strength of materials were studied. Results show, for Fe matrix composite reinforced by WC particles prepared via conventional powder metallurgy process, WC content needs to be well controlled to be 2%, which benefits the properties of the composite (hardness of HRB101.6 and strength of 945.1MPa); WC particles can effectively reduce the quantity of tiny pores, but may easily agglomerates, and excess WC particles may cut apart the matrix material and degrade the performance.