Consolidation of W–Ta composites: Hot isostatic pressing and spark and pulse plasma sintering

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design Vol. 98-99; pp. 1950 - 1955
• Main Authors: Dias, M., Guerreiro, F., Correia, J.B., Galatanu, A., Rosiński, M., Monge, M.A., Munoz, A., Alves, E., Carvalho, P.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Consolidation; Consolidation processes; Continuous fiber composites; Hot isostatic pressing; Nanostructure; Particulate composites; Plasma sintering; Pulse plasma sintering; Spark plasma sintering; Tantalum; Tantalum oxides; Tungsten–tantalum composites; Pulse plasma sintering; Spark plasma sintering; Consolidation processes; Tungsten–tantalum composites; Hot isostatic pressing
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2015.06.178

•Consolidation of W–Ta composites using three techniques: HIP, SPS and PPS.•Comparison of consolidation methods in terms of W–Ta interdiffusion and densification.•Microstructure analysis in terms of oxides formation. Composites consisting of tantalum fiber/powder dispersed in a nanostructured W matrix have been consolidated by spark and pulse plasma sintering as well as by hot isostatic pressing. The microstructural observations revealed that the tungsten–tantalum fiber composites consolidated by hot isostatic pressing and pulse plasma sintering presented a continuous layer of Ta2O5 phase at the W/Ta interfaces, while the samples consolidated by spark plasma sintering evidenced a Ta+Ta2O5 eutectic mixture due to the higher temperature of this consolidation process. Similar results have been obtained for the tungsten–tantalum powder composites. A (W, Ta) solid solution was detected around the prior nanostructured W particles in tungsten–tantalum powder composites consolidated by spark and pulse plasma sintering. Higher densifications were obtained for composites consolidated by hot isostatic pressing and pulse plasma sintering.