Systematic investigation of microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Y2O3 and/or graphene-reinforced W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe heavy alloys

Abstract

The present study focuses on the incorporation of Y2O3 and/or graphene on the structure-property correlation in W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe alloys. The addition of Y2O3 and graphene is found to enhance the sintered densification. Substantial grain size refinement was also noticed in Y2O3 and/or graphene-incorporated WHAs. The maximum bulk hardness of 375.6 +/- 23.3 HV3 was obtained in W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe-1Y2O3 alloys, which also demonstrated a superior combination of strength and elongation (4 GPa.%). Though the 94W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe-1Y2O3 alloy is found to be the best alloy composition for projecting the maximum mechanical properties among the other alloys in the present investigation, however, the incorporation of GNP is found to be better than that of the base alloy. Overall, it is noticed that the incorporation of Y2O3 and/or GNP in W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe is beneficial in refining the microstructure and improving the mechanical properties.