WC-Reinforced Inconel 625 Superalloy Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this study, Inconel 625 superalloy matrix composite materials were produced via powder metallurgy by using high-purity elemental powders and wolfram carbide (WC) reinforcement. The powder mixtures were shaped by applying 500 MPa pressure. The sintering process was carried out at 1275 °C under argon atmosphere with 90 min holding time. The densities of the produced samples were determined according to Archimedes’ principle. The microstructural characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope examinations, and energy-dispersive spectrometry analyses. Hardness measurements and tensile tests were used to determine the mechanical properties. Increasing the degree of WC reinforcement improved the sinterability of the Inconel 625 alloy and allowed obtaining higher densities. Microstructural examinations revealed that the composite materials were composed of fine and coaxial grains and large carbides homogeneously dispersed in the microstructure. The hardness and strength of the composites increased with increasing WC reinforcement. © 2020, Shiraz University.