Activated sintering of tungsten heavy alloy

Abstract

In the present work, characterization of sintering behavior of Tungsten heavy alloy has been done through powder metallurgy route using Spark plasma sintering (SPS). Fine powder of Tungsten (<30 µm) was separately mixed with Ni, Co, Fe, Mo and Cu each with 1 weight%. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique (1200°C, 20 MPa pressure with 1 min holding time) was used to sinter the mixed powders. The maximum density was observed in W-Ni followed by Co, Fe, Cu, Mo and with least in pure tungsten sample. Optical microscopy as well SEM was done to determine the microstructure and grain coarsening. Due to the short heating time very less grain coarsening was observed. Vickers hardness test was conducted which resulted in maximum hardness in case if W-1Fe SPS sample.