The Particle Shape of WC Governing the Fracture Mechanism of Particle Reinforced Iron Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this work, tungsten carbide particles (WCp, spherical and irregular particles)-reinforced iron matrix composites were manufactured utilizing a liquid sintering technique. The mechanical properties and the fracture mechanism of WCp/iron matrix composites were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The crack schematic diagram and fracture simulation diagram of WCp/iron matrix composites were summarized, indicating that the micro-crack was initiated both from the interface for spherical and irregular WCp/iron matrix composites. However, irregular WCp had a tendency to form spherical WCp. The micro-cracks then expanded to a wide macro-crack at the interface, leading to a final failure of the composites. In comparison with the spherical WCp, the irregular WCp were prone to break due to the stress concentration resulting in being prone to generating brittle cracking. The study on the fracture mechanisms of WCp/iron matrix composites might provide a theoretical guidance for the design and engineering application of particle reinforced composites.

WC-reinforced iron matrix composites fabricated by wire arc additive manufacturing combined with gravity-driven powder feeding: particle transportation and size effects

“…During the sinking process (as shown in Figure 7), a eutectic reaction occurs between the periphery of the particle and the Fe matrix, resulting in fishbone-like (Fe, W) 6 C. Subsequently, the (Fe, W) 6 C carbide is separated from the particle because of the thermal tensile stress and remains in the matrix, while the WC particle continues to move downward and becomes a spherical or sub-spheroidal particle. Thus, a tail along the deposition direction filled with fishbone-like (Fe, W) 6 C was formed after the remaining particles (Li et al, 2018b). If the sinking distance of WC particles in the molten pool is short, fewer Fe atoms participate in the eutectic reaction.…”

“…Among these reinforcements, tungsten carbide (WC) particles are a very competitive choice in anti-wear applications owing to their high strength, hardness, melting point and thermal stability, as well as their suitable wettability with an iron matrix (Chen et al , 2018; Fang et al , 2022). In addition, since iron is an inexpensive, high-strength and nontoxic matrix metal (Moreira et al , 2022), WC-reinforced iron matrix composites have been extensively used in industrial components such as slurry pumps, slurry elbow pipes, liner plates and roll fitting (Li et al , 2018b).…”

“…The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1355-2546.htm components such as slurry pumps, slurry elbow pipes, liner plates and roll fitting (Li et al, 2018b).…”

Statistical Analyses of the Strengths of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (PRMMCs) Subjected to Multiple Tensile and Shear Stresses

“…Using these models it was carefully examined and clarified in a large body of works how multiple microstructural characteristics, e.g. particle shape [1,2], size [3,4], distribution [5,6] individually and jointly influence global material properties ranging from coefficient of thermal expansion [7] to the rate of crack propagation [8].…”

Statistical Analyses of the Strengths of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (PRMMCs) Subjected to Multiple Tensile and Shear Stresses

“…Using these models it was carefully examined and clarified in a large body of works how multiple microstructural characteristics, e.g. particle shape [3,4], size [5,6], distribution [7,8] individually and jointly influence global material properties ranging from coefficient of thermal expansion [9] to the rate of crack propagation [10]. Among global material behaviors investigated, the load bearing capacity of PRMMCs occupies a central place.…”