The comparison of W/Cu and W/ZrC composites fabricated through hot-press

In this study the W/Cu and W/ZrC composites have been fabricated by hot-press and then their mechanical properties were compared in addition to their ablation resistance. To produce W-20vol.%Cu composite at first stage the elemental W and Cu powders were ball milled for 3 h in rotation speed of 200 rpm, in which 2% nickel was added in order to reduce the density. The mixed powders were hot-pressed for 1 h at 1400 °C and compact pressure of 30 MPa. Additionally W/40vol.%ZrC composite has been fabricated by hot-pressing of mixed W and ZrC powders in 30 MPa and 2200 °C for 1 h. Since these materials are used at elevated temperature applications, where ablation is the main source of material failure, after producing the composites their ablation resistance was evaluated in a real condition. The results show that not only W–ZrC composite is better than W–Cu composite in mechanical properties, but also in ablation resistance.