Microstructure and Impurity Effects on Tungsten Heavy Alloys

Abstract : The research performed in this study focused on improved tungsten heavy alloys through process optimization as measured by affects on microstructure and impurity concentrations. This largely was performed by alloying and adjusting the sintered microstructure through processing changes. Many past heavy alloy studies have failed to couple the two activities. As a consequence, potentially beneficial alloying effects have been masked by incomplete densification. Alternatively, novel processing approaches have been unsuccessful because they were applied to conventional alloys. This research has advanced both aspects, leading to novel heavy alloys with tantalum, rehnium, or molybdenum alloying.