Effect of Ta addition on the sinterability of spark plasma sintered W-Ni-Fe alloy

The purpose of this research is to investigate and characterize the W-Ni-Fe-Ta compositions by solid-state sintering using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique at a relatively lower temperature. The sinterability of W-Ni-Fe ternary tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) with the addition of Tantalum in predetermined compositions was sintered using SPS at 1100°C under 30 MPa pressure. The effect of Ta addition on WHA densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties was studied. Ni was found to act as an activator in the sintering of tungsten. SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed an even distribution of Ta in the W and Ni-Fe matrix. The data of hardness and ultimate tensile strength were explained using grain size, contiguity, and the formation of brittle intermetallic phases. W-7Ni-3Fe-5Ta alloy composition has the highest ultimate tensile strength of 870 MPa, 189.2 HV 0.5kgf hardness, and 83.42% relative sintered density. During the tensile test, W grain cleavage fracture, W-W decohesion, matrix tearing, and W matrix intergranular types of fracture surface were observed.