Pore Formation and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties in W—Ni—Fe Heavy Alloy

Abstract

W–Ni–Fe heavy alloy tensile specimens were sintered at 1450°C for various times up to 44h. The W content varied between 90 and 96 wt-%, and the Ni to Fe weight ratio was 1:1. The specimens are fully densified after 15 min to 1 h of sintering and show high strength and ductility. During the tension test, cracks are formed at the interface between tungsten grains when the grain deformation reaches critical levels. The number of these intergranular cracks increases with deformation until the specimens fracture. When the specimens are over-sintered for 4 and 8 h, large irregular pores are formed with a sharp decrease of strength and ductility. Upon further sintering, the porosity decreases again with a recovery of the mechanical properties. The results demonstrate that small amounts of porosity, even 1 or 2%, can cause drastic reduction of the mechanical properties in tungsten heavy alloys.