| Abstract Scope |
Making stable materials for hypersonic and ultra-high temperature systems is challenging. High-temperature carbide/metal composites exhibit excellent properties such as desirable flexural strength at elevated temperatures, high hardness, resistance to wear, creep and corrosion, and low density. ZrC-W is studied for use in these environments because W and ZrC are mechanically, chemically, and thermally stable; i.e., they have similar thermal expansion coefficients, low solid solubility in each other at elevated temperatures, and high melting points, respectively. In this study, Zr2Cu was melt infiltrated into binder-jetted WC preforms to form ZrC-W. Zr2Cu was used for its low melting point; however, the copper precipitates out of the composite sample, leaving ZrC-W. The effects of preform sintering, amount of Zr2Cu added, and processing time on the cermet were studied. Microstructure, phase analysis, and mechanical properties of the cermets were analyzed. Applications for these materials include aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense. |