A novel WC–W_2C composite synthesis by arc plasma melt cast technique: microstructural and mechanical studies

摘要

WC–W_2C composites of three different compositions have been synthesized from mixture of WC + W (0, 5 and 16 wt%W) by thermal arc plasma melt-cast technique. Various grown phases observed in the composites consisting of majorphases of WC and W_2C and minor phases of unbound C (graphite) and tungsten (W) were confirmed by X-ray diffraction,selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared studies. Transmissionelectron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy show polycrystalline nature of composites.Energy dispersive spectroscopy (of X-ray) infers the absence of any impurity in the composite. Almost porous free natureof composites were observed from X-ray micro computed tomography and BET analysis studies. WC–W2C composite(16 wt% W) shows 25% and 21% higher micro hardness (2535 VHN) and Young’s modulus (625 GPa) values than that ofpure melt cast WC sample.