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

The compressive deformation behavior of a 30 vol.%ZrCp/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.