Beneficial effects of a WC addition in FAST-densified tungsten

The particle reinforcement of fusion-relevant tungsten through the incorporation of tungsten sub-carbide W2C particles at the grain boundaries is demonstrated as an effective way of eliminating the harmful W oxide, enhancing densification and stabilising the composite's microstructure and flexural strength at room and high temperatures. The W2C particles are formed in situ during the sintering by carbon diffusion from WC nanoparticles added as a precursor to the W matrix. Even in an extremely fast sintering process using Field-Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST, 1900 °C, 5 min), the added WC completely transforms to W2C, resulting in a W–W2C composite. While at least 5 vol % of WC nanoparticles are needed to eliminate the oxide, approximately 10 vol % result in a W–W2C composite with favourable characteristics: high density, high flexural strength at RT (>1200 MPa) as well as at elevated temperatures, and high thermal conductivity, which remains above 100 W/mK up to 1000 °C.