The evaluation of W/ZrC composite fabricated through reaction sintering of two precursors: Conventional ZrO2/WC and novel ZrSiO4/WC

► Fabrication of W-ZrC composite through reaction sintering of WC/ZrSiO4. ► Fabrication of a preform from the mixture of WC and ZrSiO4 by gelcasting. ► In nano samples the reaction was more successful and proceeded more effectively. ► Reaction sintering of WC/ZrSiO4 was a cheaper process. ► The mechanical properties were better in reaction sintered WC/ZrO2.