Effect of tungsten matrix on the mechanical property of SiC fiber reinforced tungsten composites with foils fabricated at 1700 °C

Abstract

The SiC fiber reinforced tungsten (W) composites were prepared by hot press process at 1700 °C for 1 h under a pressure of 20 MPa with W foils as matrix. The effect of thickness of W foils on the phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated in this work. In addition, the recrystallization temperature of W foil used in this work was confirmed. The results demonstrated that the composites with 0.08 mm foil exhibited better mechanical property with 197 MPa and high pseudo ductility than those of the 0.05 mm foil composites of 129 MPa. In addition, the used foils after sintering have recrystallized, and W can be identified by XRD. Therefore, SiC fiber can be an effective reinforcement to toughen W and dense foils as matrix can prevent the reaction partially.