About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Refractory Metals 2026 – A Memorial to Todd Leonhardt
|
| Presentation Title |
Understanding the Effect of Tungsten Additions on the Microstructure and Fracture Toughness of C103-based Niobium Alloys (Nb-5.4Hf-2Ti-xW) Made by Spark Plasma Sintering |
| Author(s) |
Jordan Contreras, K.S. Ravi Chandran |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jordan Contreras |
| Abstract Scope |
The niobium alloy C103 has excellent strength and ductility at room temperature. However, its properties are not sufficient for very high temperature applications. Alloying with tungsten can increase both short-time and long-time elevated temperature strengths. The present study investigates the effect of alloying with tungsten (0-10 at% W) on the microstructure and fracture toughness of C103 alloys with two different oxygen levels, synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Four-point-bend (4PB) fracture testing of the alloys revealed that a maximum in fracture toughness (KQ~30 MPa√m) occurs at 5%W. The fracture toughness decreased with increasing W content above 5%. Surprisingly, alloys with high oxygen levels (1600 ppm) showed high fracture toughness levels, relative to that with low oxygen (300 ppm) levels. Fractography revealed mixed-mode fracture, with cleavage inside grains and ductile void coalescence near grain boundaries. The effects of tungsten, oxygen and microstructure on fracture toughness and mechanisms are discussed. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Mechanical Properties, High-Temperature Materials, |