Compressive deformation behavior of a 30 vol.%ZrC_p/W composite at temperatures of 1300-1600 °C

The compressive deformation behavior of a 30 vol.%ZrC_p/W composite was investigated in a temperature range of 1300-1600 °C. The true stress-strain behavior of the composite is strongly influenced by the deformation temperature and the strain rate. The serrated character of the true stress-strain curves is mainly due to the initiation, propagation and closure of microcracks in ZrC particle agglomerates during compressive deformation. The deformation mechanisms at the tested temperature range of 1300-1600 °C are the dislocation movement in the tungsten grains, slip along the W and ZrC grain boundaries as well as along ZrC/W interfaces. The dynamic recovery in the tungsten matrix is detected at the temperatures of 1300-1500 °C. The dynamic recrystallization occurs when the temperatures is above 1500 °C. The dislocation behavior in ZrC particles is also studied.