Effect of microstructure on the abrasive wear properties of infiltrated tungsten alloys

Tungsten-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by compacting tungsten powder followed by infiltration with liquid 56Cu–43Zn–1Sn and 60Cu–40Ag. It was found that higher tungsten contents were associated with improved wear resistance. This effect, however, is small compared to the effect of different infiltrant alloys. An infiltrated species of higher ductility caused a significant improvement on the wear resistance of the composite. A small amount of harder particles in the microstructure, such as WC, SiC or SiO2, changed the wear properties of the composite beyond the changes expected by their volume fraction.