Effect of carbide particle size on the properties of W-ZrC composites

► Samples of W-x vol.% ZrC (x = 10 and 30; large ZrC (L) and small ZrC (S)) were fabricated. ► XRD revealed the presence of the W, W2C, ZrC and (Zr,W)C phases. ► The microstructure of W-ZrC (S) revealed little coalescence of ZrC particles. ► W-ZrC (S) exhibits superior mechanical properties to W-ZrC (L) due to grain refinement of the tungsten grains. ► Post-annealing provides further densification, resulting in increase in mechanical properties at a loss of some hardness.