Effect of carburized time on microstructure and properties of W Cu composites fabricated by vacuum pulse carburization

In this study, gradient WCX ceramic particle-reinforced WCu composites were successfully fabricated by vacuum pulse carburization and an infiltration sintering process. The effects of carburization time on the microstructure, hardness, compressive strength, wear resistance, and electrical conductivity were investigated in detail. With an increase in carburization time, the edges of the W particles became coarse until a large number of cracked structures appeared. The WC phase and a small amount of the W2C phase were the primary carbides generated upon carburization for 60 to 100 min. The WCX gradient microstructure significantly improved the mechanical properties of the WCu composites. The gradient structure also ensured the electrical conductivity of the WCu composites.