Fabrication, characterization, and mechanical properties of 93W–4.9Ni–2.1Fe/95W–2.8Ni–1.2Fe–1Al2O3 heavy alloy composites

In this study, tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) composites were fabricated based on tungsten (W), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe) system. WHA composites with the composition 93W–4.9Ni–2.1Fe/95W–2.8Ni–1.2Fe–1Al2O3 were prepared by liquid-phase sintering and post-heat treatment to meet the requirement for complex mechanical performance. The relationship between the microstructural characteristics (relative density, W-grain size, and W–W contiguity) and mechanical properties was investigated. Variation in the content of W and addition of Al2O3 resulted in a significant difference in the microstructure of the two parts of W–Ni–Fe heavy alloy composite. The microstructure of the alloy significantly influenced the tensile properties of the two parts of the W–Ni–Fe heavy alloy composite; however, it did not affect their compressive deformation behaviors.