Preparation and Mechanical Property for WC-25vol%FeAl Using Wet Milling Process

Abstract

WC-25vol%FeAl compacts have been prepared using wet milling and the subsequent pulse current sintering. Powder mixtures consisting of (1) WC, Fe-40at%Al and (2) WC, Fe, Al powders have been mixed to give the desired composition of WC-25vol%FeAl. They have been milled using a cylindrical ball mill with ethanol. Milled powders have been dried at room temperature and consolidated using pulse current sintering method at 1273 K in vacuum. The compacts thus obtained have had fine and homogeneous structure. Vickers hardness of both compacts has increased with increasing milling time. Transverse rupture strength of the former compact has increased with increasing milling time, but that of the latter one abruptly decreased. This is due to the formation of Fe₃W₃C and Al-O phase.