Dense sub-micron-sized ZrC–W composite produced by reactive melt infiltration at 1200 °C

ZrC–W composite was produced by reactive infiltration of Zr2Cu into WC preform at 1200 °C. The WC reacted completely with Zr in the alloy to form 61.8 vol% ZrC and 38.2 vol% W. The infiltrated composite reached a relative density of 98.3% and average grains sizes of about 0.5 μm. The flexural strength and the fracture toughness of the ZrC–W composite was improved by the addition of W.

► WC reacted completely with Zr in the alloy to form ZrC and W at 1200 °C for 1 h.
► Infiltrated ZrC-W composite reached a relative density of 98.3%.
► The flexural strength and fracture toughness were 482 MPa and 8.7 MPa·m1/2.
► The flexural strength and fracture toughness was improved by the addition of W.
► The toughening mechanism was crack deflection and crack bridging.