WC-toughened (Zr,W)C solid solution carbides

Precipitates were induced by aging super-saturated (Zr,W)C solid solution carbides. The temperature dependence of their solubility was analyzed, as were their mechanical properties (hardness and toughness). The solubility limit of WC in the (Zr,W)C was 0.15 ± 0.03 mol fraction at 1500 °C and 0.27 ± 0.03 mol fraction at 1850 °C. The aged (Zr0.7W0.3)C ceramics were significantly strengthened up to 8 MPa m1/2 compared with the as-sintered (Zr0.7W0.3)C.