Effects of WC volume fraction on microstructures and compression performances of WC_p/Fe composites

In order to investigate the effects of WC volume fraction on microstructures, interfaces and compression performances of WC_p/Fe composites, WC_p/Fe composites with different WC volume fractions were prepared by power sintering method. The results show that WC particles have different degrees of dissolution in WC_p/Fe composites with different WC volume fractions, and show metallurgical bond with the matrix. With the increase of WC volume fraction, the interface equivalent widths of WC_p/Fe composites exhibit decreasing trend, and when the WC volume fraction is 50%, the interface equivalent width is the smallest, which is 39.8 μm. The compressive strengths of the composites exhibit the trend of increasing firstly and then decreasing, and when WC volume fraction reaches 45%, compression strength reaches the maximum. The fracture modes of the composites transform from quasi-cleavage fracture to pure cleavage fracture, and when WC volume fraction reaches 50%, the fracture mode of WC_p/Fe composite is pure cleavage fracture.