Investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of W-Y and W-Y2O3 materials fabricated by powder metallurgy method

W-2Y, W-1Y2O3 and W-2Y2O3 materials have been fabricated using two different powder metallurgy methods. While W-2Y and W-1Y2O3 have been fabricated using mechanical alloying and hot isostatic pressing (HIPping), W-2Y2O3 has been fabricated by sintering and hot forging method. Transmission electron microscopy observation reveals that W-2Y and W-1Y2O3 materials have nano-structured grains whereas W-2Y2O3 material has μm size grains. In both cases, the particles are distributed in homogeneously inside the grains. Berkovich hardness and 3 point bend tests confirm that in-spite of nano-structured grains, W-2Y, and W-1Y2O3 materials are highly stiff and show no ductility till 1000 °C temperature range. In the case of W-2Y2O3, the Berkovich hardness value is found to be 4.9 GPa, that is similar to the Berkovich hardness value of pure W and 3-point bend test confirms that W-2Y2O3 is ductile at 400 °C and above. Relation between the fabrication techniques, the microstructures and mechanical properties in W-2Y, W-1Y2O3 and W-2Y2O3 materials is reported.