High Temperature Deformation of ZrC Particulate-Reinforced Nb-Mo-W Composites

The effect of incorporating ZrC particulates on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Nb-Mo-W ternary alloy prepared through a powder metallurgy route was investigated. Microstructure of the alloy was examined by optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and electron probe microanalysis. Tensile tests were conducted from room temperature up to 1773 K. The results revealed that the incorporation of a small amount of ZrC particle is effective in improving the tensile strength and ductility of Nb-Mo-W alloy at elevated temperature. A transition of fracture mode from a brittle transgranular mode to ductile intergranular mode was observed in the composite with ZrC particles at elevated temperature.