Refractory carbide reinforced tungsten matrix composites

Novel refractory carbide reinforced tungsten matrix (W-MeC) composites have high microstructural stability and attractive high-temperature mechanical, thermo-physical and chemical properties, and they are promising candidates for a very wide range of applications across the aerospace, military, advanced machining and energy industries. In this review, material design, fabrication methods and microstructural features of W-MeC composites are presented. The mechanical and thermo-physical properties, resistance to oxidation, thermal shock and ablation, and the mechanisms of high-temperature strengthening of W-MeC composites are covered. In addition, the applications of W-ZrC composites as well as major challenges and future trends are outlined as well. This review provides a good understanding of the state-of-the-art research in W-MeC composites and inspires researchers to explore and develop W-MeC composites with improved properties fabricated in smart and cost-effective manners.