Hot Explosive Consolidation of WC-AlNi Composites

Abstract

WC + Ni-clad Al, Ni(Al), powder mixtures were formed into cylindrical rods or tubes using a hot explosive consolidation (HEC) process. During HEC, the Ni(Al) precursor, in the WC + Ni(Al) mixture, was found to react to form a WC-AlNi composite structure. The composite consisted of WC particles dispersed in a matrix of Al-Ni intermetallic phases. The consolidation temperature was varied from room temperature to 800°C; the shock loading intensity was as high as 10 GPa. The investigation showed that the combination of high temperatures and explosive compression was beneficial to the consolidation of the WC-AlNi composites, resulting in high densities, good integrity, and the formation of transient layer between the sample and the steel container’s wall. The structure and property of the samples obtained, and the formation of the transient layer depended on the shock loading conditions and the consolidation temperature. Features of the consolidated WC-AlNi samples as a function of the loading conditions (experimental set-up, loading intensity, and preheating temperature) are discussed.