Highly Concentrated WC Reinforced Ag Matrix Nanocomposite Manufactured by Molten Salt Assisted Stir Casting

摘要

This work for the first time demonstrates that Silver (Ag)-Tungsten Carbide (WC) nanocomposite can be successfully manufactured using molten salt assisted stir casting. By a nanoparticle self-dispersion mechanism, the nanocomposite is with a homogeneous dispersion of high-volume nanoparticles and free of porosity and contamination. The grain size reduced from a few millimeters to 200 nanometers and the Vickers hardness of the nanocomposite is enhanced over 200%, much higher than previous research on Ag matrix composite. This scalable manufacturing method provides a new pathway for the production of metallic nanocomposites for widespread applications.