Influence of ZrC Addition on Properties and Microstructure of W Alloys

W-ZrC alloy samples were prepared by the powder metallurgy method, and the influence of the addition of ZrC particles on the microstructure and tensile properties of W-ZrC alloys was studied. The results indicate that the relative density and tensile strength of W alloys are effectively increased by ZrC particles. The second phase particles containing W, Zr, C and O in the alloy are formed with ZrC addition. The grain size of the alloy is decreased with the increase of the ZrC content since the second phase particles can inhibit the grain growth. On the other hand, a mixed fracture mode consisting of intergranular and transgranular fractures is observed with the increase of the ZrC content in tungsten-matrix.