Synthesis of W-3 wt% Mn-2 wt% VC composites by high energy milling and sintering

A W-3 wt% Mn matrix alloy reinforced with 2 wt% of 24 h pre-milled VC particles were synthesized via high energy milling for 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and then sintered at 1300 A degrees C. The W-3 wt% Mn alloy was also prepared by high energy milling of a powder blend of W-3 wt% Mn for 6 h. Effects of milling duration as well as Mn and VC addition on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the W-3 wt% Mn-2 wt% VC composite powders and sintered samples were investigated. Microstructural characterizations of the composite powders and sintered samples were carried out via SEM and XRD analyses. Density measurements and hardness measurements of the sintered samples were also carried out. While the relative density increased from 92.4% for the sintered W-3 wt% Mn matrix to 97.8% for the sintered W-3 wt% Mn-2 wt% VC composite milled for 24 h, there was an increase of similar to 85% in hardness values for the W-3 wt% Mn-2 wt% VC samples milled for 24 h.