Influence of ZrC content on the elevated temperature tensile properties of ZrC_p/W composites

The influence of ZrC content on the tensile deformation behavior and fracture strength of ZrC_p/W composites in a temperature range of 800-1400°C was investigated. Both of the non-linear feature of the stress-strain curve and the rupture strain of the composites decreased with increasing ZrC content from 20 to 50vol% in all the tested temperatures. The maximum ultimate tensile strength of each ZrC_p/W composite was found in the temperature range of 1000-1200°C. With increasing ZrC content from 20 to 50vol%, the maximum ultimate tensile strength of the ZrC_p/W composite was decreased due to the porosity increase and the plasticity decrease of the composite although ZrC enhanced the tungsten matrix via load transferring and blocking dislocation movement in tungsten matrix.