Influence of TiC content on the properties of tungsten matrix composites

In order to improve the mechanical and thermophysical properties of tungsten, tungsten matrix composites containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 vol% TiC particles, respectively, were prepared by vacuum hot-pressing, and the properties were measured. The hardness, elastic modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness were obviously improved by the addition of TiC. The highest values for strength and toughness, 843 MPa and 10.1 Mpa·m^1/2, respectively, were obtained on samples with 20 vol% TiC. As TiC content increases, the coefficient of thermal expansion and the heat capacity of TiC/W composite increase, but the thermal diffusivity and the thermal conductivity decrease remarkably. The values of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of the composites are 0.629×10^-4m²/s and 153 W/(m·K) without TiC addition, but 0.110·10^-4m²/s and 27.9 W (m×K) with 40 vol% TiC addition.