Effect of Fe7W6 Phase (mu-phase) on Mechanical Properties of W-Ni-Fe Heavy Alloy

Abstract

W-Ni-Fe heavy alloys have been used in various fields, such as kinetic energy penetrators and radiation shielding materials, due to their high density and good mechanical properties. In this study, the sintering of W-Ni-Fe alloys with various Ni/Fe ratios was demonstrated to improve the mechanical properties and penetration capabilities of heavy alloys by formation of interfacial phase. The microstructural changes and the mechanical properties of the W-Ni-Fe alloys after liquid-phase sintering were investigated. The Vickers hardness and tensile strength of the 95W1.3Ni3.7Fe sample, which had coated W grains by Fe7W6 phase (mu-phase), were 450 Hv and 1560 MPa, respectively. As a result, enhancement of the mechanical properties was considered to have uniformly generated mu-phase around W grains.